Control, monitoring, and/or security apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, including a first controller located at a vehicle which monitors, and detects an event regarding, a system, equipment system, component, device, or equipment, of the vehicle. The vehicle is a shipping container, pallet, tote, or piece of luggage. The first controller generates and transmits a first signal, containing information regarding the event, to a second controller. The second controller is located remote from the vehicle, automatically receives the first signal, and generates and transmits a second signal, containing information regarding the event, via the Internet or World Wide Web to a communication device located remote from the second controller. The apparatus activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, or controls an operation of, the system, equipment system, component, device, or equipment, of the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a control, monitoring and/or securityapparatus and method and, in particular, to a control, monitoring,and/or security, apparatus and method for exercising and/or providingcontrol, monitoring and/or security, for vehicles, motor vehicles,marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/orshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or residential premises, commercial premises,structures and/or equipment, in a network environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Anti-theft devices for vehicles and premises are known in the prior artfor preventing and/or thwarting the theft of a vehicle and/or of apremises. Vehicle recovery devices or systems are also known forrecovering a motor vehicle. These known anti-theft and/or vehiclerecovery devices may be of the active or passive variety and aretypically available in many forms (i.e. steering wheel locks, hoodlocks, ignition system cut-off devices, alarms, vehicle homing deviceswith associated receiving devices, etc.). In some cases, these devicesmay be of a very simple design, while in other cases, they may be of amore sophisticated design. However, as is well known, these knownanti-theft and/or vehicle recovery devices or systems may be easilydefeated by thieves, and especially, by professional thieves and/or haveother disadvantages associated with their use. Experience has shown thateven the most sophisticated of anti-theft devices may be defeated by anexperienced, and determined, thief, and that vehicle recovery systemsalso have drawbacks associated with their use.

In the case of some vehicle recovery devices, their use may be limitedby the availability, or lack thereof, of the corresponding tracker orreceiver device(s) in the particular locality, or the lack of same bythe law enforcement department in a particular area.

In recent times, an even more disturbing criminal practice, involvingthe theft of motor vehicles, has rendered most anti-theft devicesvirtually useless. This criminal practice, known as car-jacking, hasgained widespread attention. Car-jacking usually occurs when a thief orthieves confront a motorist or motor vehicle operator, when the motorvehicle engine is running, or when the car thief obtains easy access tothe motor vehicle ignition keys and to the motor vehicle, either byforce or by the threat of force, thereby bypassing, and renderinguseless, any of the widely known anti-theft and/or theft-deterrentdevices, thereby gaining control and/or possession of the motor vehicle.In these instances, the motorist or motor vehicle operator is welladvised to surrender the motor vehicle. However, once surrendered, themotor vehicle is virtually lost to the car thief.

Anti-theft and/or theft-deterrent devices which attempt to defeat theultimate vehicle theft, such as caused by car-jacking, by disabling themotor vehicle during the “getaway”, such as by shutting off power to themotor vehicle engine, have major disadvantages and drawbacks in thatthey could shut-off the vehicle engine at an inopportune instant intime, thereby causing a dangerous condition to exist which could lead toan accident and resulting injuries to individuals as well as damage toproperty. These accidents may arise when the motor vehicle power issuddenly shut-off while the vehicle is in motion, which condition couldcause the vehicle to suddenly, or even gradually, lose power on aroadway or highway, while traveling at a moderate or at a high rate ofspeed and/or when a power steering and/or a power braking system, whichderives its power from the vehicle engine, suddenly loses power upon theloss of the engine power. As noted above, accidents such as these mayresult in injuries to people, both inside and outside the vehicle, aswell as property damage caused by, and to, the vehicle.

The above described disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art devicesmay also pose accident liability concerns to those manufacturers and/orsellers of these devices, as well as to the owner or operator of themotor vehicle, as these entities and/or individuals may be held liablefor the injuries and/or the damages sustained as a result of the abovedescribed accidents.

Vehicle recovery systems are known which include a vehicle homingdevice, which is activated and which emits homing signals which are usedto home in on, or to locate, the vehicle. These vehicle recovery systemsusually require that the law enforcement agency have correspondinghoming signal receivers and/or equipment and that they be kept inoperating condition, in order to effectively home in on, or locate, thevehicle. Unless the local police or law enforcement authorities havesuch equipment, the homing signal recovery device serves little purposein recovering the vehicle in that locale.

Other vehicle recovery systems require that a police report be madeprior to an activation of the homing and/or recovery equipment, whichpractice could result in the loss of valuable time in the vehiclerecovery process. The above problems concerning vehicle security areequally applicable to and present an equal or even greater problem inproviding security for marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft and/orrecreational vehicles.

Providing security for residential premises, commercial premises,structures, and/or equipment, is also of great concern, especially whensuch premises, structures and/or equipment are left vacant for hoursand/or days at a time. These concerns may arise while residentialpremises are left unoccupied during the working day, when second homesand/or vacation homes are left unoccupied for days, weeks and months ata time, and in commercial premises which may also be left unoccupied forlong periods of time such as after working hours or during weekends orother prolonged periods of time when these premises may be closed and/orunoccupied.

While anti-theft and/or security systems exist for residential and/orcommercial premises, such systems fail to enable the owner or occupantand/or other authorized individual to conveniently and effectivelyexercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functionswith regards to these premises. The same holds true for other types orstructures and/or equipment. The ability to conveniently and effectivelyenable one to exercise and/or to perform control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions would prove to be invaluable in allowing owners,occupants and/or other authorized individuals to exercise and/or toprovide control, monitoring and/or security functions over thesepremises, from a remote location and at any time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for overcomingthe disadvantages and drawbacks which are associated with the knownprior art control, monitoring and/or security systems and provides acontrol, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method and, inparticular, to a control, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus andmethod for exercising and/or providing control, monitoring and/orsecurity, vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles,aircraft, recreational vehicles, shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, ortype, residential premises, commercial premises, structures and/orequipment, in a network environment.

The present invention also provides an apparatus and a method which alsoovercomes the shortcomings of prior art anti-theft and/or theftdeterrent systems and, in particular, anti-theft and/or theft-deterrentsystems for vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft andrecreational vehicles as well as for residential premises and/or forcommercial premises.

The apparatus of the present invention includes a transmitter system fortransmitting an electrical, an electronic, an electromagnetic or othersuitable signal, transmittable over a communication system and/ormedium, upon an activation by the owner or authorized user or operatorof the vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel, aircraft, recreationalvehicle, and/or the owner, occupant and/or authorized individual of andfor the residential premises and/or the commercial premises.

The transmitter should also consist of a user interface device and atransmitting device. The transmitter should also have a receiverassociated therewith for receiving signals. In this regard, thetransmitter/receiver combination may be replaced and/or implemented withand/or by a transceiver. The transmitter transmits a signal, in responseto an authorized user or operator accessing and/or activating theapparatus.

The transmitter system is a remote system, which may or may not bephysically connected to the remainder of the apparatus. Further, thetransmitter system is not located in the vehicle, motor vehicle, marinevessel or vehicle, aircraft, recreational vehicle, residential premisesand/or commercial premises, but rather, is located external from, and/orseparate and apart from, the vehicle.

The apparatus also includes a receiver for receiving the signals whichare transmitted by the transmitter or transceiver system. The receiverreceives the signal(s) which is transmitted by the transmitter ortransceiver and provides an indication, in the form of a signaltransmission, back to the transmitter or transceiver and, in particular,the transmitter receiver, which signifies that a signal has beenreceived by the apparatus. The receiver also generates data which isindicative of the signal, or a portion thereof, which has been received.The receiver should also be provided with its own transmitter. In thisregard, this receiver/transmitter combination may also be replacedand/or implemented with and/or by a transceiver.

The transmitter/receiver combination should provide for the transmissionand for the reception of a multitude of remote electrical, electronic,electromagnetic, and/or other suitable signals, over long distancesand/or in a mobile and/or a wireless communications environment.Telephone signals and telephone communication devices can be utilized inthe present invention as well as personal computers which can beutilized with telecommunications and/or other suitable communicationsystems and/or mediums.

Upon receiving the signal, the receiver generates a distinct signalwhich is indicative of the signal transmitted from the transmitter. Atleast a portion of the transmitted signal may include a valid accesscode, which accesses the receiver and the apparatus. The access codeserves to provide for security measures which may be taken inconjunction with the use of the apparatus.

The apparatus also includes a controller or a CPU 4 (CPU), which iselectrically connected with the receiver and which receives, or reads,whichever the case may be, the signal or signals, or portions thereof,which are generated by the receiver. The CPU also has associatedtherewith a read only memory device(s) and random access memorydevice(s). The data which is received by the receiver is processed bythe apparatus.

The CPU may also have a transmitter associated therewith fortransmitting signals to the transmitter receiver or transceiver. In thismanner, the CPU of the apparatus may respond to a user datatransmission, command, or inquiry with a transmitted signal.

In the case of vehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles,aircraft and recreational vehicles (hereinafter referred to collectivelyas “vehicles”), the CPU is electrically connected and/or linked to thevehicle ignition system, which is located externally from the apparatus.The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the vehicleignition system through an ignition system interface. The CPU maytransmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, the vehicleignition system. In this manner, the CPU and the vehicle ignition systemmay exchange information between each other.

The CPU, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver, andupon the completion of a data processing routine, may issue a suitablesignal, to the vehicle ignition system. This signal may be one whichwill disable, re-enable and/or reset the vehicle ignition system. TheCPU may also interrogate the ignition system and/or receive data fromthe ignition system which is indicative of ignition system status.

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the vehiclefuel system which is also located externally from the apparatus. The CPUmay or may not be connected with and/or linked to the vehicle fuelsystem through a fuel system interface. The CPU is capable of issuing asignal, to disable, re-enable and/or reset the vehicle fuel system. TheCPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the fuel system whichis indicative of fuel system status. The CPU may also provide controlover the vehicle exhaust system in a similar fashion or in an analogousmanner.

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to at least oneor more of a variety of vehicle equipment systems. The vehicle equipmentsystem or systems are located externally from the apparatus and may ormay not be connected and/or linked to the CPU via a respective and/orassociated vehicle equipment system or systems interface. The vehicleequipment system or systems, which varies for each type of vehicle(i.e., vehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel or vehicle, aircraft and/orrecreation vehicle) may include, but is not limited to, an exteriorand/or an interior siren or alarm, a horn, a vehicle exterior lightsystem(s), a power door lock or other locking system or device, a hoodlocking system, a video recording device and/or a camera, and/or anaudio recording device, for providing surveillance of the vehicleinterior and/or exterior, an intercom system, for providingcommunications between vehicle users and/or occupants and the owner,operator and/or authorized individual, cellular or mobile phones and/orany one or more of the widely known vehicle anti-theft systems, alarmsystems and/or stolen vehicle and/or other type of vehicle recoverysystems and/or devices.

Each of the vehicle equipment systems, if utilized in conjunction withthe apparatus, may be activated, de-activated, reset or in some otherway controlled and/or monitored by the apparatus of the presentinvention. The use of any one or more of the vehicle equipment system orsystems is optional.

The vehicle equipment system or systems receives signals from the CPU,which signals serve to activate, de-activate, or vice versa, whicheverthe case may be, the respective vehicle equipment system(s).

The apparatus may also comprise a vehicle position and locating devicewhich can be utilized in order to determine the position and/or thelocation of the vehicle. The vehicle position and locating device can beutilized so as to determine the position of the vehicle anywhere in theworld and provide for the transmission of vehicle position and/orlocation data, via an associated transmitter, to an appropriate systemreceiver so that vehicle position would be available to the owner, userand/or authorized individual and/or so that the vehicle may be locatedand/or tracked and recovered.

The apparatus may also comprise a vehicle position and locating systemreceiver, which is employed for receiving and/or processing the datawhich is transmitted from the vehicle position and locating device.

The vehicle position and locating device may comprise a positioningsystem computer and a global positioning device with associated globalpositioning system receiver. The vehicle position and locating devicemay also comprise a position data transmitter for transmitting thevehicle position and/or location data to the vehicle position systemreceiver. The vehicle position and locating device may also comprise adata base which contains digital and/or digitized map data, which can beutilized in order to determine the geographical position of the vehiclefrom the calculated “raw” position data obtained from the globalpositioning device. In this manner, vehicle position and/or location ona map may be obtained.

Vehicle position and/or location data can be transmitted to the vehicleposition system receiver which may be located at, or accessible to, theauthorized user or operator and/or authorized individual at any locationand/or at the location of an authorized office or agency, such as at acentral security office or agency or local or regional law enforcementoffice or agency, which is duly authorized to receive the vehicleposition and/or location data for the vehicle.

The vehicle position and locating device may also perform updated globalpositioning calculations so as to provide for a tracking of a vehiclemovement. The apparatus may also ascertain vehicle movement bymonitoring and/or tracking vehicle position data as it is updated.

The vehicle position system receiver may be equipped with an appropriatecomputer system and a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by thetransmitter of the vehicle position and locating device.

The vehicle position system receiver may comprise a CPU for controllingthe operation of the system receiver which CPU is connected and/orlinked to the receiver for receiving and/or for reading the vehicleposition and/or location data. The system receiver may also comprise auser interface device, a display device, an output device and a databasecontaining digital map data for use in determining geographical positionof a vehicle. The system receiver may also comprise a transmitter forsending data and/or signals to the vehicle position and locating deviceand/or for transmitting signals to the CPU and/or to the transmitterreceiver.

The system receiver may also be utilized in conjunction with a homeand/or a personal computer and/or other personal communications deviceand/or apparatus which may be utilized with an associated receiver orequivalent peripheral device(s).

A home and/or personal computer, and/or other personal communicationsdevice and/or apparatus may also be utilized for performing thefunctions of the transmitter and the vehicle position and locatingsystem receiver. The apparatus may also be utilized in conjunction witha computer network such as an on-line service and/or on, or over, theInternet and/or the World Wide Web, by employing an appropriate servercomputer and/or an associated Web Site and/or Web Site technology inconjunction with an appropriate communication medium.

Upon the occurrence, or the discovery thereof, of the theft of avehicle, or simply in order to monitor vehicle status or location, theauthorized user or operator may activate the apparatus by entering anaccess code into the transmitter or transceiver interface. Entry of avalid access code will activate a signal transmission from thetransmitter or transceiver to access the apparatus.

The authorized user or operator can then transmit a command code fromthe transmitter or transceiver to the receiver of the apparatus. In acase when the vehicle has been stolen, the command code may be a vehicledisable command code. It should also be noted that a vehicle re-enableor reset command code, or any other suitable command code, monitoringcode, etc., which would represent a function or operation to beperformed by the apparatus, may also be entered. The command code isthen transmitted to, and received by, the receiver.

The command code data is then transmitted to, or read by, the CPU forcommand code identification and for further processing, if necessary. Inthis manner, an authorized user or operator, upon learning of the theftof the vehicle, or simply attempting to ascertain the status and/orlocation of the vehicle, may easily access and/or activate the apparatusby simply “calling up” or transmitting a signal to the apparatus.

In the case where the motor vehicle has been stolen, and the authorizeduser or operator wants to prevent and/or thwart the theft of the vehicleand recover the vehicle, the command code which may be entered may be avehicle disable command code (disable code) which will disable thevehicle and activate the vehicle position and/or locating device. If theauthorized user or operator desires to re-enable the vehicle, such aswhen the motor vehicle has been found or recovered, so as to render thevehicle re-enabled or operational, the command code to be entered may bea vehicle re-enable or reset command code.

If a valid disable code is transmitted to the apparatus, the vehicleposition and locating device is activated and various vehicle systems,including the vehicle ignition system, fuel or fuel pump system and/orexhaust system, and/or at least one or more of a variety of utilizedvehicle equipment system(s), may either be activated, de-activated, orreset depending upon the circumstances.

The operation of the vehicle position and locating device may proceedand continue simultaneously and/or concurrently with the operation ofthe apparatus and the CPU. Any one or more of a vehicle equipmentsystems, including a vehicle alarm and/or homing device may also beactivated.

Upon the vehicle being found or recovered, such as in a manner resultingfrom utilizing the vehicle position and locating device, the authorizeduser or operator may once again access the apparatus by entering a validaccess code and by then entering a valid re-enable or reset commandcode.

The CPU may then issue a control signal to re-enable or reset thevehicle ignition system, vehicle fuel or fuel pump system and/or exhaustsystem and/or de-activate or re-activate, any one or more of the variousvehicle equipment systems which are utilized. The vehicle positionand/or locating device may also be de-activated.

Safeguards may be employed in order to prevent a wrong or a mis-dialednumber or unauthorized transmission(s) from accidentally accessing andactivating the apparatus, and further, may serve to prevent anunauthorized or an unwanted disabling or re-enabling or setting orresetting of the vehicle ignition system, the vehicle fuel or fuel pumpsystem and/or the vehicle exhaust system and/or the activation,de-activation, or resetting of any one or more of the various vehicleequipment systems which may be utilized.

As noted above, a disable command code may cause the apparatus toactivate a vehicle position and locating device which may operatesimultaneously and/or concurrently with, and independently of, theoperation of the apparatus and the CPU. Once activated, the vehicleposition and locating device may activate the global positioning devicewhich calculates vehicle position data by using well known globalpositioning calculation methods and/or techniques.

Once the vehicle position data has been calculated, the position datacan then be transmitted to the vehicle position system receiver which islocated at the location of the authorized user or operator, or at theauthorized office, agency or other entity. Geographic position and/orlocation data (i.e. street location, location on a map, etc.) for thevehicle may also be obtained by processing the position and/or locationdata in conjunction with digital map and/or other suitable data. Thetransmission of position data may be repeated for a predetermined timeinterval, after which the global positioning device may calculateupdated position data.

The vehicle position data which is received by the vehicle positionsystem receiver may then be employed to find and/or to recover thevehicle. Vehicle position data may be updated, continuously and/or insome other suitable manner, by repeating the global positioningcalculations.

Vehicle position data, along with updated vehicle position data, mayalso be utilized in order to track and/or to monitor vehicle movement.Vehicle position data may also be displayed and/or output for use infinding and/or recovering the vehicle.

The authorized user or operator may discontinue operation of and/orde-activate the global positioning device and/or the vehicle positionsystem receiver, such as when the vehicle has been found or recoveredand/or at any other time.

The global positioning device may be utilized to locate and/or to trackvehicle movement anywhere in the world. In this manner, the apparatus ofthe present invention may be utilized to disable or de-activate vitalvehicle systems and/or to find and/or recover a stolen vehicle and/or tomonitor vehicle operation and/or vehicle location and/or movement.

Further, the present invention provides for an apparatus and a methodfor disabling and/or re-enabling various systems of the vehicle, whenthe vehicle is not in use, simply by “calling up” the apparatus so as todisable the vehicle and, thereby, provide added security against vehicletheft and/or to prevent damage to the vehicle and/or to any componentsthereof. In this manner, an authorized user or operator may disable thevehicle ignition system, fuel or fuel pump system, exhaust system and/orany one or more of a variety of the vehicle equipment systems, of avehicle which may be parked and/or in use, from any location and/or atany time.

An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus at any timeand, with the use of an appropriate command code, may determine theoperating status of the vehicle, the apparatus, and/or any one or moreof the various vehicle systems so as to determine if, for example, theignition system or fuel or fuel pump system is activated or on, therebyalerting the authorized user or operator that someone is operating thevehicle. An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus soas to determine vehicle position and/or location data or informationand/or the geographic location of the vehicle. In this manner, theauthorized user or operator can determine the status and/or the locationof his or her vehicle at any time and for any reason. In this regard, asafe and an effective anti-theft and/or vehicle recovery apparatus andmethod is provided by the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in conjunctionwith a multitude and/or a variety of valid command codes, wherein eachdifferent command code may selectively disable or re-enable or reset anyone or any combination of the vehicle systems, such as the vehicleignition system, the vehicle fuel or fuel pump system, the vehicleexhaust system and/or any one or more of the various vehicle equipmentsystems which may be utilized. In this manner, the authorized user oroperator may utilize the present invention to selectively disable,re-enable, de-activate or re-activate any one or more of the vehiclesystems, or a combination thereof, at his or her discretion, at anytime, and from any location.

As noted above, an authorized user or operator may also utilize commandcodes for determining status of the apparatus or of the vehicle, or ofany one or more of the vehicle systems. A command code may also beemployed to simply determine vehicle position.

The apparatus may also be programmable by the user or operator via thetransmitter or transceiver, or at the vehicle, so that certainparameters, such as the timing, and/or the degree of disabling orre-enabling, of the various vehicle systems may be programmed.

By utilizing a multitude of command codes, including disable codesand/or re-enable or reset codes, which codes affect different vehiclesystems, or combinations thereof, it is also possible to selectivelycontrol the vehicle systems from a remote location. The apparatus mayalso be programmed for automatic activation and/or self-activationand/or automatic and/or programmed operation via a command code(s), sothat the apparatus may become activated upon a certain occurrence, orlack thereof, and thereafter, provide for the disabling and/or there-enabling of any one or more of the vehicle systems along withactivating the vehicle position and/or locating device. The apparatusmay also provide information pertaining to vehicle theft, status and/orposition.

The apparatus may also be designed and/or programmed to detect itsunauthorized use and/or its use by an unauthorized individual. In thisregard, the vehicle is capable of reporting itself as being stolen.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an armingdevice and an activation device may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus in place of the transmitter/receiver combination so as toprovide for an automatic monitoring and/or activation of the apparatus.In such an embodiment, the command code(s) may be a default code and/orbe user selected and/or programmable. Automatic activation may also beprogrammed by the user or operator via a command code(s) with apparatusoperation activated upon the occurrence, or lack thereof, of a specifiedevent.

In this manner, the arming device/activation device combination may beutilized so as to activate the apparatus and/or any one or more of thevehicle systems, including the ignition system, the fuel or fuel pumpsystem, the exhaust system and/or any one or more of the various vehicleequipment systems which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus.The vehicle position and locating device may also be activated via theautomatic activation of the apparatus.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevehicle position and locating device may comprise a plurality of globalpositioning devices which may be strategically located at various pointsand/or locations in or on the vehicle. Each of the global positioningdevices may be placed at different points and/or locations in, or on,the vehicle, with the distances between each of the respective devicesbeing recorded and stored. Upon the activation of the global positioningdevices and the calculation of each position or location of each device,any change in distance between any two or more of the respective devicescould be utilized in order to determine if the vehicle, or any portionthereof, has been dismantled or structurally altered, at least in part,or possibly to a greater extent.

The apparatus and the method of the present invention may also beutilized in conjunction with a central security office or agency, suchas a private security service and/or by a local or regional lawenforcement office or agency, in order to provide a prompt means bywhich to report a vehicle theft, provide for a manner in which todisable and/or re-enable a vehicle or vehicle system, and to determinevehicle position and/or location so as to facilitate the locating andthe recovery of the vehicle. In this regard, the present invention maybe utilized so as to allow control, monitoring and/or security functionsto be exercised and/or performed by an authorized third party. Thepresent invention may also be utilized so as to provide for a prompt lawenforcement theft reporting, law enforcement response to the theftreport and recovery of the vehicle.

An authorized user or operator may register their vehicle and apparatuswith a central security office or agency such as by registering vehicleidentification information along with vehicle access and command codedata and any other pertinent information. Upon the occurrence of avehicle theft, or the discovery thereof, the authorized user or operatorcan access the apparatus so as to exercise and/or to perform control,monitoring and/or security functions over same while, at the same time,allowing for a control, monitoring and/or a security function to beexercised and/or performed by the central security office or otherentity.

The apparatus, which is utilized at the central security office and/orother entity, may have the same control capabilities over the vehicle asthat of the apparatus utilized in the vehicle. In this regard, status ofthe apparatus, the vehicle, any one or more of the various vehiclesystems, and/or the vehicle position and/or location data may beobtained by the apparatus located at the central security office and/orother entity.

The apparatus which is utilized at the central security office may alsobe utilized in connection with an on-line service and/or on, or over,the Internet and/or the World Wide Web so as to provide for a means bywhich the authorized user or operator may utilize the apparatus inconjunction with a home and/or a personal computer and/or a commercialor industrial computer system (i.e., an internet server computer) and/orany other appropriate device.

In another embodiment, an access code may be only transmitted to, andreceived by, the central security office apparatus and the vehicle maybe accessed and controlled via an access and command code(s) which aretransmitted by and from the central security office apparatus.Transmitter devices may also be located in the vehicle so as or to allowa vehicle occupant(s) to transmit signals directly to the centralsecurity office and/or agency and/or central equipment, (i.e.,satellite, cellular communications site etc.) such as in instances wherehelp may be required and/or in emergency situations.

In yet another embodiment, the access code may only be transmitted to,and received at, the vehicle. In this embodiment, the apparatus which islocated in the vehicle may then transmit data to the apparatus locatedat the central security office thereby alerting the central securityoffice or agency of the vehicle theft or status inquiry. The apparatusat the central security office may thereafter exercise and/or providecontrol over and/or monitor the functions of, the vehicle apparatus fora plurality of vehicles. Further, the central security office apparatusmay also provide the means by which to allow a central security officeor local or regional law enforcement office or agency to providesecurity monitoring over the vehicle(s) which are registered therewith.

In the case were the apparatus may be automatically activated, thevehicle apparatus may transmit a signal, indicative of vehicle theftand/or an unauthorized use or operation of the vehicle, to the centralsecurity office apparatus thereby reporting the unauthorized use oroperation, or theft, of the vehicle before the authorized user oroperator is able to discover same.

The central security office apparatus may also be utilized so as toverify and/or monitor apparatus accessing and/or activation by theauthorized user or operator. The authorized user or operator may also“call” the central security office from any location, via anycommunication means and/or device in order to determine the statusand/or the whereabouts or location of his or her vehicle. Both thevehicle apparatus and the central security office apparatus can exerciseand/or perform the same control, monitoring and/or security functionsover the vehicle.

The present invention can also be utilized, in a similar and/oranalogous manner, to provide control, monitoring and/or security forboats, marine vessels, airplanes and aircraft, and/or recreationalvehicles of any kind or type.

In still another embodiment, the present invention may be utilized inconjunction with a residential premises, residential building and/or ahome and/or a household control, monitoring and/or security system.

In the case where the present invention is utilized in conjunction witha residential premises, residential building and/or a home and/or ahousehold control, monitoring and security system, the CPU may beelectrically connected and/or linked to the home and/or householdelectrical system, which is located externally from the apparatus. TheCPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the homeelectrical system through an electrical system interface. The CPU maytransmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, the homeelectrical system. In this manner, the CPU and the home electricalsystem, may exchange information between each other.

The CPU, upon receiving an appropriate signal from the receiver, andupon the completion of the requisite data processing routine may issuean electrical, an electronic, and/or any other suitable signal,including a digital command signal, to the home electrical system. Thiselectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal or digital commandsignal may be one which will disable, re-enable or reset the homeelectrical system. The CPU may also interrogate the electrical systemand/or receive data from the electrical system which is indicative ofelectrical system status (i.e., whether the electrical system is on oroff and/or to what extent certain portions thereof may be on or off).

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the homeheating system which is also located externally from the apparatus. TheCPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the home heatingsystem through a heating system interface. The CPU is capable of issuingan electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, to disable or to re-enable the home heating system. TheCPU may also interrogate and/or receive data from the home heatingsystem which is indicative of home heating system status (i.e., whetherthe heating system is on or off and/or to what extent certain portionsthereof may be on or off).

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the home airconditioning system which is also located externally from the apparatus.The CPU may or may not be connected with and/or linked to the home airconditioning system through an air conditioning system interface. TheCPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe home air conditioning system. The CPU may also interrogate and/orreceive data from the home air conditioning system which is indicativeof home air conditioning system status (i.e., whether the airconditioning system is on or off and/or to what extent certain portionsthereof may be on or off).

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the homewater system which is also located externally from the apparatus. TheCPU may or may not be connected and/or linked to the home water systemthrough a home water system interface (i.e., electrical shut-off valve).The CPU is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe home water system. The CPU may also interrogate and/or receive datafrom the home water system which is indicative of the water systemstatus (i.e., whether the home water system or any portion thereof is onor off).

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the homethermostat or environmental control system so as to control and monitorinterior temperature. In this manner, the home thermostat system maythen be adjusted and/or controlled by the user or operator via theapparatus. The home thermostat system may be connected to the homeheating system and/or to the home air conditioning system so as toactivate, set and/or control the operation of these systems so as toachieve the desired temperature and/or environmental conditions in thehome.

The CPU may also be electrically connected and/or linked, via interfacesif needed, to any one or more of a variety of home equipment systemswhich may include a home anti-theft and/or burglary alarm system, aninterior and/or exterior siren or alarm, interior and/or exteriorlighting systems, electrical and/or electronically controlled lockingdevices for doors and/or windows, including electrical and/or electronicdead bolt locks and/or other types of locking devices, electricalsystems and devices for controlling electrical circuits or systemsroom-by-room, device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance.

The home equipment system may also include devices for controlling anyone or more of the electrical circuitry, such as circuits controlled byfuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices, devices for controllingand/or monitoring hot water heater(s), garage door opener(s), lawnsprinkler system(s), electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground orabove-ground pool equipment, filters and/or heaters, home water valves,individual room water valves, home fire detector equipment and home fireextinguishment equipment, jacuzzis, hot tubs, pet feeders and/or anyother electrical and/or electronic devices and/or appliances and/orthose devices and/or appliances which may be electrically and/orelectronically controllable. Home equipment systems may door and windowclosing, opening and locking devices.

The home equipment systems may also include any and all home appliancessuch as televisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, VCRs,stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights or lamps,blenders, toasters, irons, computers, word processors, stereos, radios,and any other home appliance and/or devices which may be electricallyand/or electronically activated and/or controllable.

The home equipment systems may also include video recording equipment,which may include video recording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such asthose utilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions,digital televisions, interactive televisions, surveillance systems,display telephones and/or other communication devices, includingpersonal communication devices.

The video recording device(s) and/or camera(s) may be digital recordingdevices or cameras or other suitable video recording and/or photographyequipment. The video recording device(s) and/or camera(s) may be locatedat any location on and in the interior and/or at the exterior of thehome or premises and may have associated therewith transmitting devicesfor transmitting the recorded video or photograph(s) to the owner oroccupant and/or other authorized individual so as to providesurveillance and/or monitoring capabilities for the home and/orpremises.

The home equipment system may also include audio recording equipment,which may include microphones and/or tape recorders, such as thoseutilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digitaltelevisions, interactive televisions, display telephones and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices.

The audio recording device(s) may have a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting audioinformation to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so asto provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interiorand/or the exterior of the home.

The home equipment systems may also include an intercom system or deviceor telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, for providing a means bywhich to allow the user or operator, or other authorized individual, tocommunicate with the persons present in, or occupants of, the home orthe premises. The home equipment systems may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the home fuel supply, gas meterand/or gas usage, water supply, water meter and/or water usage,electrical generator and/or alternator operation, electricity meterand/or electricity usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage, gas and/oroil or other fuel supply and/or usage, telephone usage, appliance usage,etc., a home control system and/or any other home operation and/orsystem function.

The monitoring device(s) may have associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or informationrecorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operatorand for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, bywhich the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoringdevice(s). The monitoring devices and the corresponding devices whichthey monitor may be linked via wireless devices and/or over a wirelessmedium.

When used in conjunction with a residential premises, residentialbuilding and/or home or household system, the apparatus and method ofthe present invention may be utilized and/or operates in the same or ina similar and/or analogous manner as it is utilized and/or operates inconjunction with vehicles so as to provide control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions for and over a home and/or residential premises. Inthis manner, a homeowner or occupant may access a home system at anytime, and from any location, and thereby exercise and/or providecontrol, monitoring and/or security functions over any home system,equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner or occupant may alsomonitor the status, state, or operation of any home system, equipment,device and/or appliance. Lastly, the owner or occupant may exerciseand/or perform security related functions or operations on, and over,the home system, equipment, device and/or appliance.

In still another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with a commercial building,commercial office and/or commercial premises control, monitoring and/orsecurity system. In the case where the present invention is utilized inconjunction with a commercial building, commercial office and/orcommercial premises control, monitoring and/or security system, the CPUmay be electrically connected and/or linked to the commercial officeand/or premises electrical system, heating system, air-conditioningsystem, water system, thermostat system, and/or to at least any one ormore of a variety of commercial office and/or premises equipmentsystems, which may include an anti-theft and/or burglary alarm system,an interior and/or exterior siren or alarm, interior and/or exteriorlighting and/or lighting system(s), electrical and/or electronicallycontrolled locking devices for doors and/or windows, includingelectrical and/or electronic dead-bolt locks and/or locking devices.

The CPU may also be connected and/or linked to commercial office and/orpremises equipment systems which include electrical systems forcontrolling electrical circuits or systems room-by-room,device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance, devices for controllingany one or more of the electrical circuitry, such as circuits controlledby fuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices, devices forcontrolling and/or monitoring hot water heaters, garage door openers,lawn sprinkler systems, electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground orabove-ground pool and/or fountain equipment, filters and/or heaters,fire detector equipment, fire extinguishment equipment, and officeequipment, power door and/or window closing, opening and lockingequipment and any other electrical and/or electronic device or item orany device and/or item which is electrically or electronicallycontrollable.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment systems may also includeany and all commercial office and/or premises appliances such astelevisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, alarm systems,VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights orlamps, office equipment and appliances, computer and associatedperipherals, word processors, stereos, radios, manufacturing equipmentand any other commercial office and/or premises equipment.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also includea video recording equipment, which may include video recording device(s)and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction with personalcomputers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions,display telephones and/or other communication devices, includingpersonal communication devices, and/or a still picture camera(s). Thevideo recording device(s) or camera(s) may be digital recording devicesor cameras or other suitable devices or cameras, including typical videorecording devices or cameras for providing video recording and/orsurveillance.

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting videoimages and/or photographs, recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s), to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so asto provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interiorand/or the exterior of the commercial office and/or premises.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also includeaudio recording equipment, which may include microphones and/or taperecorders, such as those utilized in conjunction with personalcomputers, televisions, digital televisions, interactive televisions,display telephones and/or other communication devices, includingpersonal communication devices.

The audio recording device(s) may have a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system associated therewith for transmitting audioinformation to the owner or occupant and/or authorized individual so asto provide for the monitoring and/or the surveillance of the interiorand/or the exterior of the commercial office and/or premises.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system may also includean intercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital orotherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the owner oroccupant, or other authorized individual, to communicate with thepersons present in, or occupants of, the commercial office and/orpremises. The commercial office and/or premises equipment system mayalso include monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring thecommercial office and/or premises fuel supply, fuel usage, water supply,water usage, electricity meter, electricity usage, electrical generatorand/or alternator operation, heat and/or air conditioning usage, gasand/or oil or other fuel usage, telephone usage, commercial officeand/or premises equipment and/or appliance usage, etc., and/orcommercial office and/or premises control system and/or any othercommercial office and/or premises operation and/or system function.

The monitoring device(s) may have associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/or informationrecorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the user or operatorand for receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, bywhich the user or operator may exercise control over the monitoringdevice(s). The monitoring devices and the corresponding equipment and/ordevices to be monitored may be linked via wireless devices and/or overwireless communication systems.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system or systemsreceives signals from the CPU, which signals serve to activate orde-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, the respectivecommercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) which are utilizedin conjunction with the apparatus.

When utilized in conjunction with a commercial office and/or premises,the apparatus and method of the present invention is utilized and/oroperates in the same, or in a similar and/or analogous, manner as it isutilized and/or operates in conjunction with vehicles and/or withresidential premises, etc., so as to allow control, monitoring and/orsecurity functions to be exercised and/or performed on, and over, acommercial office and/or premises.

In this manner, an owner, occupant and/or authorized individual mayaccess a commercial office and/or premises system at any time and fromany location and thereby exercise and/or perform control, monitoringand/or security functions over any commercial office and/or premisessystem, equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner, occupant orauthorized individual may also monitor the status, state or operation ofany commercial office and/or premises system, equipment, device and/orappliance.

In still another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with vehicles such as shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

In any of the above described embodiments, the present invention may beutilized in conjunction with any suitable communication device(s) and/orcommunication system(s). In this manner, the present invention may beutilized in conjunction with a telephone, a touch tone telephone, acordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone, a home and/ora personal computer having associated telecommunication devices or othersuitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or a fax/modem,personal communication devices which can operate over an appropriatetelecommunications system, and/or other suitable communications systemsand/or mediums, including radio signal, optical, satellite and/or othercommunications systems and/or mediums. Any suitable communication systemand/or medium may be utilized.

Personal communication service (PCS) systems and devices, includingstationary, portable and/or hand-held devices, may also be utilized.Digital signal communications devices and systems may also be utilized.Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communication devices,personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal digitalassistants, cellular telephones, display telephones, display cellulartelephones and electronically equipped watches and/or other devicesand/or effects may also be utilized for performing user interactivecontrol, monitoring and/or security functions in conjunction with thepresent invention.

The interface devices utilized in any of the various embodiment of thepresent invention may be wireless devices or modules which need not bedirectly connected to the CPU or to its respective equipment system in ahard-wired manner. In this regard, hard-wired electrical connections maybe unnecessary. In the case of wireless interface devices or modules,corresponding wireless technology and/or systems should be utilized inorder to provide for the wireless control and/or operation of therespective equipment(s).

The present invention can be utilized to access, monitor, and/or recordor store, operation data and/or information for any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, and/or shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, at a location remote from therespective vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes,aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyancedevices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets, containers,refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad containers,tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vesselshipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses. The present invention can be utilized to access, monitor,and/or record or store, operation data and/or information for any of theherein-described residential premises and/or commercial premises. Any ofthe respective operation data and/or information can be obtained at,and/or stored at, any of the transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers, described herein.

In another embodiments, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized to provide control, monitoring, and/orsecurity, for vehicles such as shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, ortype. In still another embodiment, the present invention can also beutilized to provide shipment information regarding vehicles such asshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type. The present invention can alsoprovide and apparatus and method for providing shipment informationwhich can be attached to, integrated with, located and/or positioned on,and/or located and/or positioned in, a shipment conveyance device, ashipping container, a shipment container, a pallet, a container, arefrigerated container, a protective container, a railroad container, atractor trailer container, a air freight container, a marine vesselshipment container, a tote, a box, an envelope, a bag, a canvas bag,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structure or apparatus,of any size, kind, or type.

The present invention also provides an apparatus and method forproviding and/or for processing information regarding a shipment ofgoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entitieswhich can be shipped and/or transported via any of the herein-describedshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

The present invention can be utilized on, positioned on, positioned in,located on, located in, integrated with, built-into, or utilized inconjunction with, any of the herein-described shipment conveyancedevices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets, containers,refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad containers,tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vesselshipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

The present invention can also provide a system for utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention in conjunction with acarrier computer, a sender or shipping entity computer, a receiver orreceiving entity computer, and/or a central processing computer, forfacilitating use of the apparatus and method of the present invention ina network environment.

The present invention can also be utilized in conjunction with shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type. In such an embodiment, theapparatus can also include shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, ortype, and a shipment conveyance device computer.

The present invention can also include a carrier computer orcommunication device which is associated with the carrier which isutilized to transport the shipment conveyance device. The presentinvention can also include a sender or shipping entity computer orcommunication device which is associated with the a sender or shippingentity who or which is effecting shipment of the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, which canbe shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipment conveyancedevices. The present invention can also include a receiver or receivingentity computer or communication device which is associated with the areceiver or receiving entity who or which is receiving shipment of therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities, which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, theshipment conveyance devices. The present invention can also include acentral processing computer which can be utilized to administer, manage,and/or control, the operation of the system and/or any of the shipmentconveyance device computers, the carrier computers, the sendercomputers, and/or the receiver computers.

The shipment conveyance device computers, carrier computers, sendercomputers, receiver computers, and/or central processing computers, cancommunicate with, transmit information to, and/or receive informationfrom, any shipment conveyance device computers, carrier computers,sender computers, receiver computers, and/or central processingcomputers, over any suitable communication network or system, including,but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunication network, adigital communication network, a satellite communication network, awireless communication network, a personal communication servicesnetwork, a broadband communication network, a bluetooth communicationnetwork, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any othercommunication network and/or system.

The present invention can also be utilized on, over, and/or inconjunction with, any suitable communication network or system,including, but not limited to a telephone network, a telecommunicationnetwork, a digital communication network, a satellite communicationnetwork, a wireless communication network, a personal communicationservices network, a broadband communication network, a bluetoothcommunication network, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or anyother communication network and/or system.

Any of the shipping conveyance device computers, the carrier computers,the sender computers, the receiver computers, and/or the centralprocessing computers, can include, a central processing unit (CPU), arandom access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an input device, areading or scanning device, a display device, a receiver, a transmitter,a database, and an output device, and/or any other devices needed and/ordesired for performing the functions of the respective computers.

The shipment conveyance device computer can also include a globalpositioning device which can be utilized in order to determine theposition and/or location of the shipment conveyance device computer. Theshipment conveyance device computer can also include a sensor devicewhich be utilized in order to monitor and/or to measure temperature,impact forces, and/or other environmental activity and/or other activityinvolving the shipment conveyance device computer.

The present invention can be utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction withshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type. The present invention can alsobe utilized on, in, and/or in conjunction with, shipment conveyancedevices which can also be cargo containers or any type, kind, shape, orsize, which can be utilized trucks, cars, vehicles, trains, boats,ships, marine vessels, aircraft, airplanes, of any kind or type forperforming ground, sea and air, transport. The shipping conveyancedevice computer can be attached to, built into, integrated with, and/orplaced inside, the shipping conveyance device.

The present invention can also be utilized in order to provideinformation regarding a shipment or delivery to any one or more of acarrier or transporter of the shipment, to the receiver or receivingentity of the shipment, and/or to the central processing computer and/orto the operator or administrator of the present invention. The presentinvention can also be utilized in order to access the shipmentconveyance device computer, or any other computer or computer system ordatabase, located at any of the herein-described vehicles or premises,via any one or more of the respective carrier computer(s), sendercomputer(s), receiver computer(s), computers, processing devices,communication devices, and/or a central processing computer(s), and toobtain information regarding the shipment from the shipment conveyancedevice computer.

The present invention can also provide location information and/orposition information regarding a shipment. The present invention canalso provide status updates to any one or more of the carrier, thesender, the receiver, and/or an administrator, regarding a shipment. Thepresent invention can also generate status messages which can containinformation regarding the shipment. The present invention can alsotransmit the status messages to any of the respective carrier computers,the sender computer(s), the receiver computer(s), and/or the centralprocessing computer(s).

Upon the delivery of the shipment, the present invention can be utilizedin order to access and obtain information from the shipment conveyancedevice computer. The present invention can also generate a shipmentdelivery message and transmit same to any one or more of the carriercomputer(s), the sender computer(s), the receiver computer(s), and/orthe central processing computer(s).

The present invention can also be utilized in order to providenotification to any one or more of a sender, a carrier, a receiver,and/or an administrator, of any one or more of a lost shipment, anoff-track shipment, a delayed shipment, a damaged shipment, and/or amis-delivered shipment. The present invention can await the detection ofa processing event and generate an appropriate notification message inorder to provide notification to any one or more of the carrier, thesender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, of the detectedprocessing event.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is beingdelivered to the proper receiver. The present invention can determinewhether a receiver is the correct receiver for receiving the shipment.If the receiver is not the correct receiver of the shipment, the presentinvention can generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can beprovided to the receiver or the carrier. The present invention can alsocancel the delivery and generate and transmit, to a respective party orparties, a mis-delivered notification message indicating that thereceiver is not the correct receiver.

If the present invention determines that the receiver is the correctreceiver, the present invention can generate an appropriate signal orstimulus which can be provided to the receiver or the carrier. Thepresent invention can also generate a delivery notification message andtransmit same, to a respective party or parties, indicating that thereceiver is the correct receiver and/or that delivery of the shipmenthas been effected. The present invention can also be utilized in orderto generate and/or process information regarding an insurance claiminvolving a shipment which has been lost, stolen, damaged, and/ormis-delivered, during shipment, transport, and/or delivery, by thecarrier.

The present invention can await the detection of a processing eventwhich can lead to the filing of an insurance claim regarding or relatingto the shipment. The present invention can detect the processing event,process information regarding same and/or relating to same, and generatean insurance claim message which contains information regarding theprocessing event and information for filing an appropriate insuranceclaim. The present invention can also transmit the insurance claimmessage to any one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver,and/or the administrator. The present invention can also transmit theinsurance claim message to any one or more of the carrier computer, thesender computer, the receiver computer, and/or the central processingcomputer.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in anetwork environment in conjunction with a server, a server computer,and/or any suitable central processing computer.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of theserver, server computer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/orpersonal computers or communication devices described herein and/orutilized in conjunction with the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can comprise and/or can be implemented with any number ofcomputers or computer systems. In this regard, any of the server, servercomputer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/or personal computersor communication devices can be a single computer or computer system orcan be comprised of, or can include, a plurality (i.e. two or more)computers or computer systems. In this manner, the server, servercomputer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/or personal computersor communication devices, can be comprised of, and/or can be implementedby utilizing, any number of computers or computer systems.

The server, server computer, or computer, and/or any of the home and/orpersonal computers or communication devices can also be comprised of, orcan include, any number of computers and/or computer systems and canalso include any number of transmitters, receivers, and/or otherhardware devices and/or peripheral devices.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thereceivers or transmitters associated with and/or utilized in conjunctionwith a server, server computer, or computer, and/or any of the homeand/or personal computers or communication devices, described herein,can be or can include any number of receivers or transmitters,respectively.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus canbe utilized in order to provide any one or more of, video information,audio information, and/or video conferencing information, on or via anynumber of communication channels. The apparatus and method of thepresent invention can be utilized to provide any one or more of videoinformation, audio information, and/or video conferencing information,on or via any number of communication channels in a communicationnetwork.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized toprovide video information from any one of any number of video recordingdevices. The apparatus and method of the present invention can also beutilized to provide audio information from any one of any number ofaudio recording devices. The apparatus and method of the presentinvention can also be utilized to provide video conferencing from anyone of any number of video conferencing devices.

For example, a user can select a particular video camera, from anynumber of video cameras utilized in conjunction with the apparatus andmethod of the present invention, from which to obtain video. In asimilar manner, a user can select a particular audio microphone, fromany number of audio microphones utilized in conjunction with theapparatus and method of the present invention, from which to obtainaudio. A user can also select a particular video conferencing device,from any number of video conferencing devices utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus and method of the present invention, from which toengage in a video conference(s).

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized inorder to provide video information and/or video images from two or morevideo recording devices or cameras to a user computer or usercommunication device simultaneously in a split-screen format or multiplescreen format.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus which is the subjectof the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle position and locating device of FIG. 1illustrating the main components thereof in block diagram form;

FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle position and locating system receiver ofFIG. 1 illustrating the components thereof in block diagram form;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system which isutilized in another preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 for performing thefunctions of, and for, the transmitter and the vehicle position andlocating system receiver of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the computer of FIG.4 is utilized in another preferred embodiment in order to replace and toperform the functions of the transmitter and the vehicle position andlocating system receiver of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction withan on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the WorldWide Web;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate flow diagrams illustrating the preferredembodiment operational steps and/or sequences of operation of theapparatus and the method of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment operation, in flow diagramform, of the vehicle position and locating device which is utilized inthe apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the preferred embodiment operation, in flowdiagram form, of the vehicle position system receiver which is utilizedin the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present inventionwherein an arming device and an activation device are utilized inconjunction with, and for, an automatic activation of the apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the vehicle positionand locating device which includes a plurality of global positioningdevices and corresponding global positioning receivers;

FIG. 11A illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with acentral security office or agency;

FIG. 11B illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus of FIG. 11A is utilized in conjunctionwith an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web.

FIG. 12 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith a boat;

FIG. 13 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith an airplane;

FIG. 14 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with asnowmobile;

FIG. 15 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith a home or residential premises control system;

FIG. 16 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunctionwith a commercial office and/or premises control system; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of the system in which the apparatusand method of the present invention can be utilized;

FIG. 18 illustrates the shipment conveyance device computer of FIG. 17,in block diagram form;

FIG. 19 illustrates a pallet in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer, and/or the system of the present invention,can be utilized;

FIG. 20 illustrates a container in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer, and/or the system of the present invention,can be utilized;

FIG. 21 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form;

FIG. 22 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form;

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate another preferred embodiment method ofutilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, in flowdiagram form; and

FIG. 24 illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to a control, monitoring, and/orsecurity, apparatus and method and, in particular, to a control,monitoring and/or security apparatus and method for exercising and/orproviding control, monitoring and/or security, vehicles, motor vehicles,marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/orshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, and/or residential premises,commercial premises, structures and/or equipment, in a networkenvironment.

The terms “individual”, “owner”, “user”, “operator”, “occupant”, and/orthe plural of same, refer to any individual, individuals, owner, owners,user, users, operator, operators, occupant, and/or occupants, of any ofthe herein-described vehicle, boats, marine vessels, airplanes,aircraft, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers,shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers,protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailer containers,air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes,envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, and/orresidential premises, commercial premises, and/or any of the systems,subsystems, devices, components thereof, as well as refer to any of theindividuals, entities, parties, and/or users, of the apparatus and/ormethod of the present invention and/or any of the computers, processingdevices, and/or communication devices, described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with the preset invention and/or which form acomponent of the present invention. Further, any of the terms“individual”, “owner”, “user”, “operator”, “occupant”, and/or the pluralof same, can be used interchangeably.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/187,735.Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/190,379. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein thesubject matter and teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,405. Applicant alsohereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachingsof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/683,828, filed Jul. 18, 1996, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,917,405. Applicant also hereby incorporates by referenceherein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 08/622,749, filed Mar. 27, 1996, now abandoned. Applicant alsohereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachingsof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/551,365, now U.S. Pat. No.6,542,076. Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein thesubject matter and teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,244. Applicant alsohereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter and teachingsof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/055,116, filed Jan. 22, 2002 andU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/263,877, filed Jan. 23,2001. The subject matter and teachings of each of the above-identifiedU.S. Patent Applications and U.S. Provisional Patent Applications arehereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully restated herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the apparatus which is the subjectof the present invention and which is denoted generally by the referencenumeral 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 includes atransmitter system 2, for transmitting an electrical, an electronic, anelectromagnetic or other suitable signal, upon an activation by a motorvehicle owner or authorized user or operator, hereinafter referred tocollectively as the “authorized user or operator”.

While the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment is directedto a motor vehicle and, in particular, to an automobile, the term “motorvehicle” includes, but is not limited to, automobiles, trucks, buses,school buses, trains, subway trains, mass transportation vehicles,tractor trailers, construction equipment, equipment, mobile structures,mobile and/or moveable industrial and/or commercial and/or equipment,structures and/or work platforms, mining equipment, drilling equipment,drilling platforms, farm equipment, commercial vehicles, recreationalvehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, motor and/or mobile homes,shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, etc. Any of the above notedvehicles may be manned and/or unmanned and may also include lawenforcement and/or military vehicles and/or equipment. The presentinvention may also be utilized in marine vehicles and/or vessels, boats,ships, aircraft, airplanes, jets, submersible and/or underwater vehiclesand/or vessels, space vehicles and/or vessels and satellites, all ofwhich may be manned and/or unmanned. The present invention may also beemployed in conjunction with gasoline, diesel, alternate fuel and/orelectrically powered and/or propelled vehicles.

In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 consists of a userinterface device 2A and a transmitting device or transmitter 2B. Thetransmitter 2 also has a receiver 2C for receiving signals as will bedescribed below. In this regard, the transmitter/receiver combinationmay also be implemented by utilizing a transceiver. The user interfacedevice 2A provides the means by which the authorized user or operatormay access or activate the apparatus 1, as well as the means by whichthe authorized user or operator may enter access and/or command codesinto the transmitter system 2. The transmitter 2B transmits a signal, inresponse to the authorized user or operator accessing or activating theapparatus 1. The user interface device 2A also includes a device (notshown) for providing an audio and/or a video indication of systemoperation and/or status as well as providing information indicative ofdata received by the receiver 2C.

The transmitter system 2 is a remote system, which is not physicallyconnected to the remainder of the apparatus 1. Further, the transmittersystem 2, in the preferred embodiment, is not located in the motorvehicle, but rather, is located external from, and separate and apartfrom, the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the transmittersystem 2 or transceiver, is designed to be capable of transmittingsignals over long distances, i.e. tens, hundreds, and/or thousands ofmiles or farther. The transmitter system 2 or transceiver, in thepreferred embodiment, is also capable of transmitting a multitude ofsignals. As will be described below, this capability to transmit amultitude of signals allows for the transmission of a variety of commandcodes, and of multiple command codes, to the apparatus 1, which in turn,provides for an apparatus which may provide for a multitude of responsesin the control and operation thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 2 or transceiver isa touch tone telephone which may be a line-connected telephone, acordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone. As describedhereinafter, the transmitter system 2 may also be a home and/or apersonal computer, having associated telecommunication devices or othersuitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or a fax/modem, orother personal communication device, which can operate over anappropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitablecommunications systems, including radio signal, optical, satelliteand/or other communications systems. The communications system utilizedmay operate anywhere in the electromagnetic and/or radio spectrum. Inthis regard, personal communication service (PCS) systems and devices,including stationary, portable and/or hand-held devices, may also beutilized. Digital signal communications devices and systems may also beutilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communicationdevices, personal communication services (PCS) devices, personal digitalassistants, cellular telephones, display telephones, video telephones,display cellular telephones and electronically equipped watches and/orother devices and/or effects or accessories may also be utilized foruser interactive and/or display or output applications and/or functions.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,081,667 which teaches a system for integrating acellular telephone with a vehicle security system. Applicant also herebyincorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No.5,276,728 which teaches a remotely activated automobile disablingsystem. Applicant further hereby incorporates by reference herein thesubject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,427 which teaches a radio signalresponsive vehicle device control system, and further, use of a personalpaging unit in a paging system for receiving a radio signal. Applicantalso hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S.Pat. No. 4,882,746, which teaches a cordless telephone system. Applicantfurther hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,138,649 which teaches a portable telephone handset withremote control. Applicant further hereby incorporates by referenceherein the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,126 which teaches anemergency alert and security apparatus and method.

Referring once again to FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 also includes a receiver3, for receiving the signals which are transmitted by the transmittersystem 2. The receiver 3 may be any receiver which is capable ofreceiving the remote electrical, electronic, electromagnetic, and/orother signals, which may be transmitted by the transmitter system 2. Inthe preferred embodiment, the receiver 3 is also capable of receivingany of a wide variety of signals, and/or multitude of signals, which maybe transmitted by the transmitter system 2.

The transmitter system 2/receiver 3 combination, of the apparatus 1 isimplemented, in the preferred embodiment, by a telephone/telephonebeeper or pager system which systems and related techniques are wellknown in the telecommunications art. In such a telephone/telephonebeeper or pager system, the transmitter 2 can be any touch-tonetelephone which provides a user interface, in the form of the touch-tonekeypad or buttons, or the like, for entering a data code or sequence,and which may provide a means by which to transmit a signal, in responseto the entered data, to an appropriate receiver device which istypically a telephone beeper or pager which may be serviced by anappropriate communications system or service.

The receiver 3 or beeper or pager, or the communication system whichservices same, in turn, provides an indication, in the form of a signaltransmission, back to the transmitter 2 and, in particular, to thetransmitter receiver 2C, which signifies that a signal has been receivedby the apparatus 1. The receiver 3 also generates data which isindicative of the signal, or a portion thereof, which has been received.In this regard, in the preferred embodiment, the receiver 3 is providedwith its own transmitter 3A, or the communication system or servicewhich services the receiver 3 may provide a transmitter (not shown) asmay be the case with certain pager systems, such as and includingtwo-way pager systems, for transmitting signals back to the transmittersystem 2. The receiver 3/transmitter 3A combination, in appropriatecases, may be replaced with and/or implemented by a transceiver. Thereceiver 3 and/or receiver 3/transmitter 3A combination or transceivermay also be a cellular and/or mobile telephone which can receive andtransmit signals at and from a mobile location.

It should be noted that the telephone/telephone beeper or pager system,including two-way pager systems, may be replaced with any other type oftransmitter/receiver combination, electronic or otherwise, whichprovides for the transmission and reception of a multitude of remoteelectrical, electronic, electromagnetic, and/or other suitable signals,over long distances and/or in a mobile and/or a wireless communicationsenvironment. As noted above, a personal computer system which may beadapted to such operation, or a personal communication device(s) orpersonal communication services (PCS) device(s) may also be utilizedfor, or in, any of the transmitter/receiver system combinationsdescribed herein. Two way pagers may also be utilized for any, or inany, of the transmitter/receiver system combinations described herein.

In the preferred embodiment, upon receiving the signal, the receiver 3,generates a distinct signal which may be a digital, an electrical, anelectronic and/or an electromagnetic or other suitable signal, whichsignal is indicative of the signal transmitted from the transmitter 2Bof the transmitter system 2 and received by the receiver 3.

At least a portion of the signal transmitted from the transmitter system2 to the receiver 3 may include a valid access code, which accesses thereceiver 3, and the apparatus 1, which access code serves to provide forsecurity measures which may be taken in conjunction with the use of theapparatus 1.

The apparatus 1 also includes a controller or a CPU 4 (CPU) 4, which iselectrically connected with the receiver 3 and transmitter 3A and whichreceives, or reads, whichever the case may be, the digital signal orsignals, or portions thereof, which are received by the receiver 3and/or generated by the receiver 3 in response to the received signal.The CPU 4 may be any type of digital processing device. In the preferredembodiment, the CPU 4 is implemented by a microprocessor. The CPU 4 alsohas associated therewith a read only memory device (ROM) 5 and a randomaccess memory device (RAM) 6 for storing data which is utilized by theapparatus 1. The data which is received by the receiver 3 is processedby the apparatus 1 in the manner described below.

The use of a microprocessor as the CPU 4 provides for versatility inapparatus programmability, as well as facilitates an apparatus which canbe made as small in size as possible. The CPU 4 may also be implementedby a micro-computer, a mini-computer, or any other digital computerdevice or system, along with the requisite associated memory devices andother necessary and/or selected peripheral devices. The functions of theCPU 4 may also be performed by appropriately integrating the apparatus 1with the electronic command computer of the vehicle.

It should be noted that the provision of an apparatus 1, which is assmall in size as possible, allows for an apparatus which may be moreeasily installed and concealed in the vehicle, so as to prevent itsbeing located and defeated by a car thief. It is also envisioned thatthe apparatus 1 may be installed in the motor vehicle during thevehicle's manufacture and/or assembly process so as to insure that itwill not be easily detectable or accessible by a car thief. The morecancelable the apparatus, the less likelihood that it could be locatedand defeated. It is envisioned that the apparatus 1 and any associatedcircuitry and/or wiring, may be designed into the motor vehicle so as tobe inaccessible to a thief.

The CPU 4 also has a transmitter 4A associated therewith fortransmitting signals to the transmitter system 2 or transceiver. In thismanner, the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1 may respond to a user datatransmission, command, or inquiry with a transmitted signal which mayinclude digital as well as other data and may also includeelectronically synthesized voice data which is generated by a voicesynthesizer 4B which is connected to the CPU 4 and the transmitter 4A asshown in FIG. 1. The transmitter 4A and optional voice synthesizer 4Bmay be utilized so as to provide information to an authorized user oroperator which may include, but not be limited to, apparatus status,vehicle operation status, and the status of each vehicle system,equipment and/or device which is utilized in conjunction with theapparatus as well as vehicle position data.

The CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to the motor vehicleignition system 7, which is located externally from the apparatus 1. TheCPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked with the vehicleignition system 7 through an ignition system interface 8 which is alsoshown in FIG. 1. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receivesignals from, the vehicle ignition system 7. In this manner, the CPU 4and the vehicle ignition system 7, may exchange information between eachother. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriate signalfrom the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisite dataprocessing routine, which will be described below, may issue anelectrical, an electronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including adigital command signal, to the vehicle ignition system 7. Thiselectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal or digital commandsignal may be one which will disable the vehicle ignition system 7 orone which will re-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7. The CPU4 may also interrogate the ignition system 7 and/or receive data fromthe ignition system 7 which is indicative of ignition system status(i.e., whether the ignition system 7 is on or off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the motor vehicle fuel pump system 9 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected with the vehicle fuel pump system 9 through a fuel pump systeminterface 10 which is also shown in FIG. 1. In the case of an electricalor an electronic fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide an electrical,an electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal,which will disable, re-enable, or reset the vehicle fuel pump system 9.

In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide anelectrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, which will disable or re-enable an electrical valvesystem, which may be used to control the operation of the mechanicalfuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4 will be capableof issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, to disable, to re-enable, or to reset thevehicle fuel pump system 9. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/orreceive data from the fuel pump system 9 which is indicative of fuelpump system status (i.e., whether the fuel pump system 9 is on or off).The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to anappropriate device (not shown) for controlling the operation of avehicle exhaust system device. The vehicle exhaust system device may bea device for blocking the flow of exhaust gases through the exhaustsystem.

The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connectedand/or linked to at least one or more of a vehicle equipment system orsystems 11. The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 are locatedexternally from the apparatus 1 and may or may not be connected and/orlinked to the CPU 4, via a vehicle equipment system or systems interface12 which may or may not be required for each one of the variety ormultitude of the vehicle equipment systems which may be utilized inconjunction with the apparatus.

The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 may include a loud siren oralarm, which may be located in the passenger compartment of the motorvehicle and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as to make itunbearable for an intruder to remain inside the motor vehicle passengercompartment. The vehicle equipment system 11 may also include anexternal siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, whichmay be utilized to draw attention to the motor vehicle. The vehicleequipment system 11 may also include a horn, which may blarecontinuously or intermittently, so as to also draw attention to themotor vehicle. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include thevehicle external light systems(s), which may include the vehicle headlights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantly illuminated orwhich may blink on and off repeatedly so as to draw attention to themotor vehicle.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include a power door locksystem, for securing the vehicle passenger compartment so as to preventan entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. In addition, the vehicleequipment system(s) 11 may include a hood locking system, such as amechanical hood locking system, for locking the vehicle hood so as toprevent an unauthorized access into the vehicle engine compartment so asto prevent any tampering with the apparatus 1 or with other systemsand/or components of the motor vehicle. The vehicle equipment system(s)11 can also include “smart” windows which turn opaque and/or darkerdepending upon interior lighting.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include any one or more ofthe widely known vehicle anti-theft systems and may also include avehicle recovery system or device, including a homing and/or a trackingdevice or system, each of which system(s) may be activated and/orcontrolled by the apparatus 1 of the present invention.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include video recordingand/or photographing equipment, which may include video recordingdevice(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction withpersonal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices, or astill picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s) maybe digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the vehicle such as, for example, in thedashboard of the vehicle so that the user or operator, or any otherauthorized individual, may observe and/or photograph the driver of thevehicle, or the occupants and/or cargo of the vehicle. The videorecording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the vehicle exterior.The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide angles formaximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable. Thevideo device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the vehicle interior or exterior. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/or transmit the recordedvideo and/or the picture(s) in real time and/or live. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equipped with a storagemedium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s), and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored video and/orpicture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In this manner,real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s) transmissionsmay be provided.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include audio recordingequipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location on theinterior and/or exterior of the vehicle so that the user or operator, orany other authorized individual, may hear what is transpiring, and/orwhat has transpired, inside and/or outside the vehicle. The audiorecording device(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. The audiorecording device(s) microphone(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective audio recording deviceor microphone can be moved along the vehicle interior or exterior. Theaudio recording device(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded audioin real time and/or live. The audio recording device(s) may also beequipped with a storage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a latertime. In this manner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissionsmay be provided.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include an intercom systemor device or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise, for providing ameans by which to allow the user or operator, or other authorizedoperator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupants of thevehicle over a designated communication line. The vehicle equipmentsystem 11 can also include video conferencing devices and/or equipmentfor enabling the vehicle occupants and/or individuals inside thevehicle, outside the vehicle, and/or in the vicinity of the vehicle, toengage in and/or partake in video conferences and/or video conferencingwith others via a communication network.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include the vehicle batteryor batteries, vehicle fuel cell or fuel cells, battery monitoringequipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cell fuelsupply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cell by-product(i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuring device, fuel celloutput measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter, current measure, powermeter, etc.), an air bag deployment device, an air bag deploymentdetection device, a vehicle dashboard display device, a gyroscope formeasuring vehicle pitch, roll, yaw, or attitude, a gyrocompass formeasuring direction of travel, a vehicle data recorder and/or a vehicleoperation data recorder, a navigation system, a navigation controland/or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a radar system, a vehiclevoice recorder, a vehicle voice recorder control and/or monitoringdevice, an emergency oxygen control and/or monitoring device, anemergency oxygen deployment detection device, an air bag deploymentdevice, an air bag deployment detection device, and/or a vehicle controlconsole display device.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include monitoring device(s)for reading and/or monitoring the status and/or condition of any of thevehicle fuel supply, water and/or coolant supply, electrical generatorand/or alternator operation, battery charge level, fuel cell electricalpower output, fuel cell fuel supply level, fuel cell operatingtemperature, fuel cell by-product output level, and/or enginetemperature level and/or any other vehicle operation and/or systemfunction and/or vehicle equipment system(s) operating status and/orcondition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigationaldevices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devicesand equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a vehicle. Appliances may includehousehold appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners,ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11 may also include electrical and/or electronicallycontrolled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors, windows, hood,trunk and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/orany systems, devices, and/or components of, the vehicle.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include transponders,communication transponders, navigation transponders, and/or beacons.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include a wheel and/or brakelocking device or mechanism. The vehicle equipment systems may alsoinclude hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment,including winches, etc, which may be remotely activated as describedherein. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also include vehiclecommunication devices including, but not limited to radios, televisionsand entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellular telephones andequipment, etc. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 may also includesystems for detecting failures in any of the above, or any other,equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user or operatorwhether he or she is operating the vehicle or is not in the vehicleand/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include the vehicle commandcomputer which is utilized to control and/or to the various electronic,electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical systems, components,devices, of the vehicle. The command computer can control and monitorany of the systems, components, and/or devices, of the vehicle,including, but not limited to, the ignition system, the fuel system,fuel injection system, electrical systems for ignition, lights, horn,door locks, exhaust system, windows, fuel pump, oil pump, engine timingdevice, battery, fuel cells, fuel supply device, video recordingequipment, audio recording equipment, vehicle integrated positioningdevice, tire pressure indicator, and/or any other system, device, orcomponent which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

The command computer can transmit control signals and/or status requestsignals to any of the herein-described vehicle systems, componentsand/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitor theoperating status and/or condition of the respective system, componentand/or device. The command computer can also receive signals from therespective systems, devices and/or components, with said signalscontaining data and/or information concerning the operating status,operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems, devicesand/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of thevehicle systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlled and/ormonitored with the command computer.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include wear and/or usageindicators and/or detection devices which can be connected with eitherthe command computer and/or the central processing computer and whichcan be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any of theherein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

The vehicle equipment system(s) 11 can also include automatic controldevices for controlling and/or monitoring vehicle systems and/or devicesfor vehicle movement and/or motion, such as, but not limited to, vehicletransmission system for controlling vehicle forward and/or reversedirection of movement, vehicle acceleration system for controlling speedof movement, vehicle braking system for controlling vehicle braking,vehicle steering system for steering the vehicle, and/or any othersystem and/or component for controlling and/or for effectingremote-control over the movement and/or the motion of the vehicle.

In the case of commercial, industrial, and/or farm and/or constructionequipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavating equipment,and/or other commercial equipment, the vehicle equipment system(s) 11may also include loading and/or unloading mechanisms, cuttingmechanisms, bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of the varioussystems and devices utilized in conjunction with these vehicles and/orequipment.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the systems,equipment systems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances,of and/or utilized in any of the respective vehicles, motor vehicles,boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreationalvehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers,shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers,protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailer containers,air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes,envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, caninclude and/or can utilize the teachings and/or the subject matter ofthe following U.S. Patents, the subject matter and teachings of whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein and form a part of thedisclosure of this patent application: U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,356 whichteaches and discloses a wireless transducer data capture and retrievalsystem for aircraft; U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,972 which teaches and disclosesa method and apparatus for measuring forces based upon differentialpressure between surfaces of an aircraft; U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,349 whichteaches and discloses remote, aircraft, global, paperless maintenance;U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,953 which teaches and discloses a stacked memory forflight recorders; U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,079 which teaches and discloses aremote aircraft flight recorder and advisory system; U.S. Pat. No.5,845,240 which teaches and discloses selective recall and preservationof continuously recorder data; U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,638 which teaches anddiscloses a stacked memory for flight recorders; U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,827which teaches and discloses and air-chute safety system; U.S. Pat. No.5,796,612, which teaches and discloses a method for flight parametermonitoring and control; U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,625 which teaches anddiscloses reconfigurable algorithmic networks for aircraft datamanagement; U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,934 which teaches and discloses U.S.Pat. No. 5,737,222 which teaches and discloses an apparatus formeasuring lift forces based upon differential pressure between surfacesof an aircraft; U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,753 which teaches and disclose amethod and apparatus for recording data on cockpit voice recorder, U.S.Pat. No. 5,457,630 which teaches and disclose a system for onboard liftanalysis and apparatus therefor; U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,577 which teachesand discloses an aircraft wing position indicator; U.S. Pat. No.5,283,643 which teaches and discloses a flight information recordingmethod and device for aircraft; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,874 which teachesand discloses an aircraft flight emulation test system; U.S. Pat. No.5,239,468 which teaches and discloses automated helicopter maintenancemonitoring; U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,102 which teaches and discloses anaircraft data acquisition and recording system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,292which teaches and discloses a fault tolerant flight data recorder; U.S.Pat. No. 4,660,145 which teaches and discloses a system for compressingaircraft flight data utilizing a multilevel time format; U.S. Pat. No.4,660,145 which teaches and discloses a system for compressing aircraftflight data utilizing a multilevel time format; U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,585which teaches and discloses an aircraft flight data recorder dataacquisition system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,494 which teaches and disclosesa solid state memory for aircraft flight data recorder systems; U.S.Pat. No. 4,604,711 which teaches and disclose an aircraft fight datadisplay system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,116 which teaches and discloses adigital flight data recording system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,670 whichteaches and disclose a solid-state digital flight data recorder; U.S.Pat. No. 4,378,574 which teaches and discloses a digital data recorderand method; U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,771 which teaches and discloses a systemfor mapping occurrences in a transport route; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,404which teaches and discloses beating and passage time optimizationcomputer navigation system for sailing vessels; U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,028which teaches and discloses a method and system for depth sounding; U.S.Pat. No. 4,454,583 which teaches and discloses a navigation system; U.S.Pat. No. 4,138,567 which teaches and discloses a shipboard apparatus formeasuring ocean currents; U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,301 which teaches anddiscloses an electromagnetic water current meter with syntheticdirection field; U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,645 which teaches and discloses amoving object monitoring system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,048 which teachesand discloses a procedure for connecting a status detection device of apassive safety system for motor vehicles to a control unit; U.S. Pat.No. 5,974,349 which teaches and discloses a remote, aircraft, global,paperless maintenance system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,026 which teaches anddiscloses an automotive data recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,434 whichteaches and discloses an integrated taximeter/GPS position trackingsystem; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,602 which teaches and discloses a carnavigation system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,440 which teaches and discloses abattery monitor and cycle status indicator; U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,437which teaches and discloses an on-board brake warning device for airbrake equipped vehicles; U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,079 which teaches anddiscloses a remote aircraft flight recorder and advisory system; U.S.Pat. No. 5,877,707 which teaches and discloses a GPS based seat beltmonitoring system & method for using same; U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,500 whichteaches and discloses an apparatus and method for recording motorvehicle travel information; U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,093 which teaches anddiscloses a computerized vehicle log; U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,020 whichteaches and discloses a laser based speed and accident reconstructionmeasuring apparatus and method; U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,647 which teachesand discloses a diagnostic test controller apparatus; U.S. Pat. No.5,796,612 which teaches and discloses a method for flight parametermonitoring and control; U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,441 which teaches anddiscloses a brake failure monitoring system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,149which teaches and discloses an aircraft airbag protection apparatus andmethod; U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,269 which teaches and discloses a digitaloperation recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,419 which teaches and disclosesa method and apparatus for recording sensor data; U.S. Pat. No.5,446,659 which teaches and discloses a traffic accident data recorderand traffic accident reproduction system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,201 whichteaches and discloses a vehicular display system; U.S. Pat. No.5,239,674 which teaches and discloses a method for transferring privatedata transmissions from a trucking communication system to a cellularcommunication; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,211 which teaches and discloses amethod and apparatus for non-contact extraction of on-board vehicle triprecorders; U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,874 which teaches and discloses aminertial navigation sensor integrated obstacle detection system; U.S.Pat. No. 5,115,678 which teaches and discloses a method of checking thefunction of a driving wheel slip control system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,656which teaches and discloses a system and method for monitoring andreporting out-of-route mileage for long haul trucks; U.S. Pat. No.5,065,321 which teaches a solid state event recorder; U.S. Pat. No.5,058,423 which teaches and discloses a method of checking thefunctioning of a driving wheel slip control system; U.S. Pat. No.5,058,423 which teaches and discloses a method of checking thefunctioning of a driving wheel slip control system; U.S. Pat. No.5,056,056 which teaches and discloses a data recorder including arecirculating non-volatile memory; U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,454 which teachesand discloses a data recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,793 which teaches anddiscloses a system for providing a warning when vehicles approach acommon collision point; U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,850 which teaches anddiscloses a vehicle computer diagnostic interface apparatus; U.S. Pat.No. 4,835,546 which teaches and discloses an electronic data recorderapparatus and method; U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,028 which teaches anddiscloses a method and system for depth sounding; U.S. Pat. No.4,677,429 which teaches and discloses a vehicle information on-boardcomputer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,937 which teaches and discloses anautomotive collision avoidance and/or air bag deployment radar; U.S.Pat. No. 4,638,289 which teaches and discloses an accident datarecorder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,127 which teaches and discloses adiagnostic data recorder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,583 which teaches anddiscloses a navigation system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,651 which teaches anddiscloses an apparatus for measuring and indicating braking vehiclespeeds; U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,945 which teaches and discloses an automaticfuel dispensing control system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,421 which teachesand discloses a vehicle monitoring and recording system; U.S. Pat. No.4,236,215 which teaches and discloses a vehicular data handling andcontrol system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,908 which teaches a measurement andrecording apparatus and system; U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,286 which teachesand discloses a solid state data recorder; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,553which teaches and discloses a method and apparatus for magneticallyrecording vehicle running conditions.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the vehicle equipmentsystem or systems 11, and their associated interface devices 12, may beoptional and may further include any other systems and/or devices whichmay, or are, utilized in and/or in conjunction with any of the abovenoted or envisioned vehicles. The vehicle equipment system(s) 11,especially when the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with lawenforcement and/or military vehicles, may also include guns and/orweapon systems and/or self defense systems and electronic warfaresystems.

The vehicle equipment system or systems 11 receives signals from the CPU4, which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa,whichever the case may be, the respective vehicle equipment system(s) 11which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1. The vehicleequipment system(s) 11 may also include any other suitable vehiclesystem or equipment, device or feature which may be utilized to drawattention to the motor vehicle and/or in some other way impede thevehicle theft. It should be noted that any of the interface devices 8,10 and 12 may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitry whichmay be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systemswhich may be utilized.

The apparatus 1 also includes a vehicle position and locating device 13which may be utilized in order to determine the position and/or thelocation of the vehicle. The vehicle position and locating device 13 canbe utilized so as to determine the position of the vehicle anywhere inthe world and provide for the transmission of vehicle position and/orlocation data to any appropriate system receiver so that the vehicle maybe located and/or tracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment,the vehicle position and locating device 13 includes and utilizes aglobal positioning device and an associated transmitter for transmittingposition and/or location data to the authorized user or operator and/orto an authorized office or agency authorized to receive and/or tomonitor such data transmissions. Applicant hereby incorporates byreference herein the subject matter and teachings of U.S. Pat. No.5,959,577 which discloses a method and structure for distribution oftravel information using network.

The apparatus 1 also includes a vehicle position and locating systemreceiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user or operatorand/or by the authorized office or agency, for receiving and/orprocessing the data which is transmitted from the vehicle position andlocating device 13 as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. Theapparatus 1 may also comprise a corresponding user interface device (notshown) for use in conjunction with the vehicle position locating system.

While the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, describescertain connections between various components and/or devices of theapparatus as being made by a direct and/or a wired electricalconnection, it is noted that any direct and/or wired electricalconnection(s) between any of the components and/or devices describedherein, may be replaced with wireless devices, wireless communicationdevices, equipment, links and/or linkups, along with their respectiveand associated technologies and/or devices, which wireless devices andtechnologies are known and the teachings of which are incorporated byreference herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates the vehicle position and locating device 13 of FIG. 1illustrating the main components thereof in block diagram form. Thevehicle position and locating device 13, in the preferred embodiment,includes a positioning system computer 21 and a global positioningdevice 22 with associated global positioning system receiver 23. Thepositioning system computer 21 includes a CPU 4 (CPU) (not shown) andassociated read only memory (ROM) device (not shown) and random accessmemory (RAM) device (not shown).

The vehicle position and locating device 13 also includes a positiondata transmitter 24, for transmitting the vehicle position and/orlocation data to the vehicle position system receiver 14. The vehicleposition and locating device 13 also includes a data base 25 whichcontains digital and/or digitized map data, which can be utilized todetermine the geographical position of the vehicle from the calculated“raw” position data obtained from the global positioning device 22. Inthis regard, vehicle location on a map and/or street location may beobtained.

As will be described in more detail below, the positioning systemcomputer 21 controls the operation of the vehicle position and locatingdevice 13, including the operation of the global positioning device 22.The global positioning system receiver 23 receives the necessary signalsfrom the global positioning satellites and/or satellite system(s) whichare located in orbit above and around the earth. The signals which arereceived by the receiver 23 are processed by the global positioningdevice 22, in a manner which is well-known to those skilled in theglobal positioning art. Once the vehicle position data or “raw” data iscalculated, the data is transmitted to, or read by, the positioningsystem computer 21.

Vehicle position and/or location data can then be transmitted to thevehicle position system receiver 14 which may be located at, oraccessible to, the authorized user or operator and/or at the location ofan authorized office or agency, such as at a central security office oragency or local or regional law enforcement office or agency, which isduly authorized to receive the vehicle position and/or location data forthe vehicle.

Vehicle position and/or location data is transmitted by the transmitter24 which, in the preferred embodiment, is a radio signal transmitter ora broadcast transmitter. The transmitter 24 may also be a cellular ormobile telephone or wireless or other communication device which isprogrammed to call and transmit the data to the vehicle position systemreceiver 14. The transmitter 24 may also be a digital signal transmitteror any other suitable transmitter. The global positioning data couldalso be obtained by the user or operator by directly “calling” thesystem receiver 14 and/or the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter 24 includes a radio signaltransmitter for transmitting vehicle position and/or location data tothe vehicle position system receiver 14, which may be at a location ofthe authorized user or operator and/or at a central security office oragency or at a local or regional law enforcement office or agency aswill be described in more detail hereinbelow. In this regard, thevehicle position system receiver 14 includes a radio signal receiverwhich is tuned to receive the signals which are transmitted by thetransmitter 24. If the transmitter 24 is a cellular or mobile telephoneor other personal communication device, the system receiver 14 could beequipped with an associated cellular or mobile telephone or personalcommunication device or other suitable device, which can be used inconjunction with the cellular or mobile telephone transmitter. Digitalcommunication transmitter/receiver combinations and/or transceivers mayalso be utilized.

The vehicle position and locating device 13 may also have its operationprogrammed so as to perform updated global positioning calculations,continuously, intermittently, at regular intervals and/or in any othersuitable manner, so as to provide for a tracking of a vehicle movement.The vehicle positioning system computer 21, in the preferred embodiment,contains digital and/or digitized map data stored in database 25 forascertaining the geographical position of the vehicle from thecalculated global positioning data (“raw” data) which is calculated bythe global positioning device 22. In this manner, the calculated globalpositioning data, and/or processed geographical position data, can beprovided for ascertaining vehicle position and/or location and, ifappropriate, for ascertaining vehicle movement such as by monitoringand/or tracking vehicle position as it is updated.

The vehicle position system receiver 14 may be equipped with anappropriate computer system which also includes a digital and/ordigitized map database for determining geographical location (i.e. maplocation, street location, or any other data which may be correlatedand/or processed with the positioning data, etc.), from the receivedglobal positioning data, at the location of the receiver 14. The systemreceiver 14 may also be equipped with an alphanumeric pager device whichcan simply receive the position data and/or the geographical positiondata from an appropriately designed transmitter 24.

FIG. 3 illustrates the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14of FIG. 1 illustrating the components thereof in block diagram form. InFIG. 3, the system receiver 14 includes a receiver 30 for receiving thedata transmitted by the transmitter 24 of the vehicle position andlocating device 13. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 30 may bea radio signal receiver, a telephone, telecommunication and/or othersystem receiver, depending upon the type of transmitter which utilizedfor the transmitter 24. It is also important to note that the receiver30 may be a personal communication system or personal communicationservices (PCS) receiver or device. The receiver 30 may also be asatellite dish receiver or a digital signal receiver.

The vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 also includes acomputer 31 for controlling the operation of the system receiver 14. Thepositioning system receiver computer 31 includes a CPU 4 (CPU) (notshown) and associated read only memory (ROM) device(s) (not shown) andrandom access memory (RAM) device(s) (not shown). The computer 31 isconnected to the receiver 30 for receiving and/or for reading thevehicle position and/or location data which is transmitted by thetransmitter 24 and received by the receiver 30.

The system receiver 14 also includes a user interface device 32, whichmay include a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse, a displaydevice 33 such as a display monitor, an output device 34 such as aprinter and a database 35 such as a data base containing digital and/ordigitized map data for use in determining geographical position of avehicle from the “raw” position data. The system receiver 14 may alsocomprise a transmitter 36 for sending data and/or signals to the vehicleposition and locating device 13 and/or for transmitting signals to theCPU 4 and/or to the transmitter receiver 2C.

The system receiver 14 may also be implemented by utilizing a homeand/or a personal computer which may be utilized with an associatedreceiver 30 or equivalent peripheral device(s). In the case of a homeand/or a personal computer, the data received from the vehicle positionand locating device 13 may be input into the computer, from the receiver30, by any one of the well known methods and techniques for inputtingdata into a home and/or a personal computer from such an appropriateperipheral device(s). In cases wherein a telephone signal and/or apersonal communication device or personal communication services (PCS)devices are utilized, a fax/modem or other suitable device may beutilized to send, and/or to receive, data to, and from, the vehicleposition and locating device 13. A television, appropriately equipped toreceive and/or to transmit signals may also be utilized. It is alsoenvisioned that digital televisions, interactive televisions, personalcommunications devices, personal communications services (PCS) devices,personal digital assistants, display telephones, electronically equippedwatches, cellular telephones and/or display cellular telephones may alsobe utilized.

It is also important to note that the transmitter system 2 ortransceiver and the vehicle position and locating system receiver 14 maybe implemented by utilizing, and therefore replaced by, a home and/or apersonal computer having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram of a computer system which provides all ofthe functions of, and/or for, the transmitter 2 or transceiver and thevehicle position and locating system receiver 14. In FIG. 4, the homeand/or personal computer, which is denoted by the reference numeral 150includes a CPU 151 with associated read only memory (ROM) device 161 andrandom access memory (RAM) device 162, a user interactive or interfacedevice 152 which includes a keyboard and/or a pointing device, a displaydevice 153 which may be a display monitor, an output device 154 whichmay be a printer, and a database 155 which may contain access code andcommand code data as well as digital and/or digitized map data.

The computer 150 also includes a transmitter 156 for transmitting datato the receiver 3 and/or the CPU 4 and a receiver 157 for receiving datafrom the receiver transmitter 3A and/or the CPU 4. The computer 150 alsoincludes a receiver 158 for receiving data from the vehicle position andlocating device 13 and a transmitter 159 for transmitting data to thevehicle position and locating device 13. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,data may be transmitted to and received from the computer 150 by usingany of the conventionally known communication systems such as byutilizing radio signal communication devices, telecommunication devices,optical communication devices, satellite communication devices, and/orpersonal communication devices and/or personal communication services(PCS) devices, or any other suitable communications devices, includingany of the types of devices described above. In the case oftelecommunication devices, a fax/modem for sending and receiving datamay be utilized in the computer 150. Digital communication devices mayalso be utilized.

FIG. 5A illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein the computer 150 ofFIG. 4 is utilized as a substitute device for, and for performing thefunctions of, the transmitter 2 or transceiver and the vehicle positionand locating system receiver 14.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 can be utilized inconjunction with a computer so that the authorized user or operator canutilize the apparatus over an on-line service and/or on, or over, theInternet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other suitable communicationnetwork or medium.

FIG. 5B illustrates another preferred embodiment wherein the apparatus 1is utilized in conjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over,the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other suitablecommunication network or medium. In FIG. 5B, the various transmitters ofthe apparatus 1, including the receiver transmitter 3A, the CPUtransmitter 4A and the vehicle position and locating device transmitter24, transmit their respective data transmissions to a receiver 500associated with an on-line service or internet computer system orcomputer server 510 (hereinafter “server”) which is specificallydedicated to the task of providing control over and/or monitoring thevehicle, the apparatus 1 and/or any one or more of the vehicle systemswhich are controlled and/or monitored by the apparatus 1. The server 510can also perform vehicle monitoring, tracking and/or recovery functions.The server 510 also has associated therewith, and connected and/orlinked thereto, a receiver 511 and a transmitter 512, for receiving andtransmitting, respectively, all of the respective signals utilized forthe complete and effective operation of the apparatus 1. The server 510may be utilized in conjunction with an associated Web Site 520.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the authorized user or operator maytransmit data directly to the apparatus 1 via the home and/or personalcomputer 150. The authorized user or operator may also transmit datadirectly to the server 510 over an appropriate communication network ormedium.

By using the computer 150 in conjunction with an appropriatecommunication medium, the authorized user or operator may then accessthe dedicated server 510 such as on-line and/or via the Web Site 520 andthereby receive any and all of the above-described data from the server510 over the on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web and/or other suitable communication network or medium.The authorized user or operator may also enter command codes and otherdata so as to provide control over the apparatus 1 via the server 510.The dedicated server 510 may be accessed via the associated Web Site520. The dedicated server 510 may also process the data obtained by theapparatus 1 in any appropriate manner, if desired. The authorized useror operator may also access and provide control over the apparatus 1 viathe server 510.

Applicant also hereby incorporates by reference herein all of themethods and/or techniques for providing information and/or data overon-line services and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World WideWeb or other suitable communication network or medium, along withclient/server and/or Web Site technology and methods and/or techniquesutilized in conjunction therewith, which are known as of the filing dateof this application. Any and/or all data and/or information can betransmitted utilizing TCP/IP protocols and/or other communicationprotocols. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter and teachings of Business Data Communications, Raymond R. Panko,Prentice Hall, 1997. In this regard, the authorized user or operator mayutilize the apparatus to its fullest capabilities over an on-lineservice and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web orother suitable communication network or medium. In this manner, theembodiment of FIG. 5B may allow the authorized user or operator toutilize the apparatus and/or to monitor the operation of the apparatusover the on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web from any suitable computer and/or from any location.

The operation of the apparatus 1 of the present invention is describedbelow with reference to the flow diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 6A and6B, which flow diagrams illustrate a preferred embodiment method forutilization of the apparatus 1. The method of the present invention maybe implemented as a computer program or software program which isutilized in conjunction with the CPU 4. The computer program or softwareprogram may be programmable so as to provide for the modification ofsame, if desired.

Upon the occurrence, or the discovery thereof, of the theft of a motorvehicle, or simply to monitor vehicle status or location, the authorizeduser or operator of the vehicle may activate the apparatus 1 by enteringan access code into the transmitter interface 2A which, as noted above,may be a touch tone telephone keypad. The entry of a valid access codewill activate a signal transmission from the transmitting device 2B in amanner similar to that of making a telephone call. In the preferredembodiment, the above sequence of events may occur by the authorizeduser or operator simply utilizing a touch-tone telephone, which may be apublic pay telephone, a private telephone, a line telephone, a cordlessor wireless telephone, or a cellular or mobile telephone, and byentering in the pre-determined access code which is assigned to theparticular apparatus 1.

In the case of a touch-tone telephone/telephone beeper or pager system,wherein the beeper or pager is the receiver 3 in the apparatus 1, thisaccess code would typically be a code which would comprise a giventelephone area code and telephone number assigned to, or programmed for,the beeper or pager (receiver 3).

Upon receiving the transmitted signal, the receiver 3, or beeper orpager, or the communication system servicing the beeper or pager, willtypically generate, via transmitter 3A or by another appropriate device,which may or may not be an integral part of the receiver 3, a signal,electrical or otherwise, which is indicative of the receiver 3 havingreceived the signal from the transmitter 2 and which further indicatesthat the receiver 3 has been accessed. In the case of a communicationsystem or service which services the beeper or pager, the transmitter 3Amay be located externally from the apparatus 1 and may be linked to thereceiver 3 via the communication link which services the receiver 3(i.e., the beeper or pager communications service system).

The received access signal is also sent to, or read by, the CPU 4 so asto alert the CPU 4 that the receiver 3, and the apparatus 1 have beenaccessed. The receiver 3, or the communication system servicing thereceiver (beeper or pager), will then transmit a signal, via itstransmitter 3A, to the transmitter receiver 2C which is indicative ofthe fact that the receiver 3, and the apparatus 1, have been accessed.This signal which is transmitted to the transmitter receiver 2C usuallytakes the form of an audible tone at the telephone headset whichtypically occurs when it is desired to communicate with a beeper orpager device.

The above sequence is analogous to the operation of atelephone/telephone beeper or pager system wherein, when the beeper orpager, or the communication system servicing the beeper or pager, hasanswered the call, the beeper awaits entry of a telephone number or codeby the caller. The signal indication by the receiver 3 will then befollowed by a period of silence during which period, the authorized useror operator may enter the desired command code data or command code,which may include a vehicle disable command code, a vehicle re-enable orreset command code, a cancel code, or any other suitable command code bywhich the authorized user or operator may exercise control over theapparatus 1. The authorized user or operator may then enter the code ornumber sequence into the transmitter interface 2A or, in this case, thetelephone keypad.

In a case when the motor vehicle has been stolen, the command code maybe a vehicle disable command code. It should also be noted that avehicle re-enable or reset command code, or any other suitable commandcode, which would represent a function or operation to be performed bythe apparatus 1, may also be entered, as the circumstances may require,at this time. The command code is then transmitted from the transmittingdevice 2B of the transmitter system 2 and is received by the receiver 3or beeper or pager. In the preferred embodiment, a command code receivedsignal is then transmitted back to the transmitter system 2, via thereceiver 3, or communication system, transmitter 3A, which provides anindication, to the authorized user or operator, that the command codehas been received by the apparatus 1.

The command code data is then transmitted to, or read by, the CPU 4 forcommand code identification and for further processing, if necessary. Inthis manner, an authorized user or operator, upon learning of the theftof the vehicle, or simply attempting to ascertain the status and/orlocation of the vehicle, may easily access or activate the apparatus 1by simply utilizing the nearest touch-tone telephone and by “calling up”the apparatus 1.

The telephone/telephone beeper system, described above, may be replacedwith any remote transmitter/receiver system, such as by a remotetransmitter, i.e., a television-type remote control unit, which controlunit would require a user interface feature and which has the capabilityto remotely transmit a multitude of signals over long distances to anassociated receiver. A two-way pager, or other appropriate two-waycommunication device may also be utilized. A home and/or personalcomputer, with requisite peripheral devices, a personal communicationdevice and/or a personal communication services (PCS) device may also beutilized. Digital communications devices, interactive televisions and/ordigital televisions may also be utilized. It is also envisioned thatdigital televisions, interactive televisions, personal communicationsdevices, personal communications services (PCS) devices, personaldigital assistants, display telephones, video telephones, electronicallyequipped watches and/or other effects or accessories, cellulartelephones, display cellular telephones may also be utilized.

By utilizing a telephone/telephone beeper or pager system, or a wirelesstelephone and/or wireless communication device, in the preferredembodiment, a long range, remote-controlled system may be achieved whichsystems are usually very well maintained by telecommunication companiesor carriers and are also very reliable. By using a telephone/telephonebeeper or pager system, or wireless telephone and/or wirelesscommunication device, the authorized user or operator does not have tokeep track of a separate remote control unit. In this manner, a reliableand efficient apparatus communication system is achieved. The apparatus1 may also be equipped with an alternate and/or an auxiliary transmitterdevice(s), such as a remote control unit or home and/or personalcomputer system, which could be employed in addition to a telephone. Inthis manner, if the authorized user or operator should leave the remotecontrol unit in the vehicle, or should lose it, the apparatus 1 maystill be accessed by the authorized user or operator. Still further,some telephone/telephone beeper or pager systems, wireless telephones,and/or wireless communication devices, may have effective distanceranges on the order of hundreds or thousands of miles which may beeconomical and reliable for long range signal transmission.

In the case where the motor vehicle has been stolen, and the authorizeduser or operator wants to prevent or thwart the theft of the vehicle andrecover the vehicle, the command code which is to be entered is avehicle disable command code (disable code) which will disable thevehicle in the manner described below. Similarly, if the authorized useror operator desires to re-enable or reset the apparatus 1, such as whenthe motor vehicle has been recovered or found, so as to render thevehicle re-enabled or operational, the command code to be entered willbe a vehicle re-enable or reset command code (re-enable or reset code).

Once the command code has been entered, the receiver 3, via itstransmitter 3A, may provide a signal indication to the transmittersystem 2, which may take the form of audible tones to a headset, such asis known in beeper or pager systems, which serve to confirm receipt ofthe command code by the receiver 3 and the apparatus 1. The data enteredinto, and transmitted from, the transmitter system 2, and received bythe receiver 3, will then be transmitted to, or read by, the CPU 4 forcommand code identification and for subsequent processing, if necessary.

If the authorized user or operator merely wants to determine the statusof the vehicle and/or of any of the vehicle equipment systems (i.e., isthe ignition system on, is the engine running, is a burglar alarm systemarmed, etc.), a status code may be entered and the CPU 4, aftermonitoring the vehicle systems, may report back to the authorized useror operator via the receiver transmitter 3A or the CPU transmitter 4A.If the authorized user or operator wants to determine the location ofthe vehicle and/or if it is in motion, a location request code may beentered whereupon the vehicle position and locating device 13 may beactuated so as to determine vehicle position and/or location data, whichdata may then be transmitted to the user or operator via transmitter 24.The CPU transmitter 4A may also transmit vehicle portion data as the CPU4 may also have access to said data. In this manner, the user oroperator may exercise control over the vehicle and/or monitor theoperational status and/or state of the vehicle and/or of any of thevehicle systems and/or components. The user or operator may also monitorthe position and/or movement of the vehicle.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate flow diagrams of a preferred embodiment ofthe operational steps and/or sequence of operation of the apparatus andmethod of the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, thereceiver 3, upon receipt of the access code, will generate an interruptin the CPU 4 which will activate an operational program or an interruptservice routine, at step 60, of the flow diagram. At step 61, thecommand code data is received by the apparatus 1. Upon receipt of thecommand code by the receiver 3, the command code is then transmitted to,or read by, the CPU 4 at step 62. The CPU 4 will then, at step 62A,perform a processing routine in order to identify the command code whichhas been entered.

In the preferred embodiment, the command code should be of apre-determined length and should be chosen to be one of a variety ofcodes which may be chosen so as to provide for the controlling of theapparatus 1 to perform any number of functions and/or to control thevehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems utilized in conjunction withthe apparatus 1. The command code may be a valid disable code, a validre-enable or reset code, a cancel code, a vehicle status code, a vehicleposition and locating code, or any other suitable code which may berecognized by the CPU 4 so as to provide control over and/or monitoringof the apparatus 1. A command code may be utilized to indicate a canceloperation, or to identify a previous transmission as a false alarm. Anincomplete code, an invalid code, or the absence of a command code afterthe apparatus 1 has been accessed, may be deemed to be a false alarm.

The cancel and false alarm categories are utilized in order to enable anauthorized user or operator to cancel access to and/or activation of theapparatus 1, or to prevent an unauthorized access or unauthorizedattempt to enter a command code into the apparatus 1. Such anidentification processing routine may be performed in a very simplemanner, such as by testing the command code or code data againstpre-determined or pre-defined codes and/or against any other code datawhich may be stored in apparatus program memory. Such testing may beperformed by any one of the widely known software testing andidentification routines and/or techniques.

At step 63, the CPU 4 will determine if the code is a valid code. If thecode is valid, then the processing will proceed to step 64. If the codeis invalid, the CPU 4 will return to step 76 thereby exiting theoperational program or interrupt service routine and the apparatus 1will await a next access code and command code transmission. Once avalid command code has been entered, the CPU 4, at step 64, willdetermine if a valid disable code has been entered, which disable codesignifies that the car has been stolen and/or is under the control of anunauthorized user or operator or simply that the authorized user oroperator wishes to render the vehicle inoperative. Once the commandcode, if entered, is identified, the CPU 4, under the control of theapparatus operational program or interrupt service routine, will performthe appropriate apparatus control functions.

If a valid disable code is identified as having been transmitted, atstep 64 (which may designate that the vehicle has been stolen), the CPU4 will initiate and/or actuate the operation of the vehicle position andlocating device 13 at step 65. The vehicle position and locating device13 will then begin to, and continue to, perform the necessary routinesin order to determine vehicle position and/or location as will bedescribed below. The operation of the vehicle position and locatingdevice 13 will proceed and continue simultaneously and/or concurrentlywith the operation of the apparatus 1 and the CPU 4 as described below.

The CPU 4, which is connected to the vehicle ignition system 7, so as tosend and receive data to and from the vehicle ignition system 7, willperform a software test, at step 66, in order to determine whether thevehicle ignition system 7 is activated or is on (i.e. the vehicle isoperating or is in motion). This will require a monitoring of thevehicle ignition system 7 by the CPU 4.

As noted above, a vehicle ignition system interface 8 is optional andmay or may not be employed in order to facilitate this function ofmonitoring and controlling the vehicle ignition system 7 by the CPU 4.

If the vehicle ignition system 7 is determined to be activated or on,the CPU 4 will enter into a delay loop, at step 67. The purpose of thedelay loop, at step 67, is to prevent the vehicle ignition system 7 frombeing de-activated or shut-down while the vehicle engine is still on orrunning. Such a test and delay loop routine serves to prevent accidentsand resulting personal injury and property damage, such as may be causedwhen a vehicle suddenly looses power while in motion and/or istravelling at a moderate, or at a high, rate of speed or when such aloss of engine power may result in the failure of the vehicle powersteering and/or power brake systems. In this manner, the CPU 4 willcontinue to interrogate the vehicle ignition system 7 after apre-determined delay period, and will continue to do so until thevehicle ignition system 7 is determined to be shut-off and/or isnon-operational.

While any delay period may be employed, at step 67, and may beprogrammed into the program software of the apparatus 1, it is importantto choose a delay period which can detect even the shortest duration ofa vehicle ignition system shut-down. In the preferred embodiment, adelay period of one (1) second is utilized. This delay period, ofcourse, may be changed in the program software, as desired, by utilizingknown system programming methods and/or techniques.

After the delay period has elapsed, at step 67, the CPU 4 will againinterrogate the ignition system 7, at step 66, and will continue to doso in the above described delay loop routine until the ignition system 7is determined to be shut-off and/or is non-operational. Once it has beendetermined that the vehicle ignition system 7 is shut-off and/or isnon-operational, the CPU 4, at step 68, will issue a disable signal tothe vehicle ignition system 7.

The disable signal which is issued by the CPU 4, at step 68, willdisable the vehicle ignition system 7, thereby preventing a restartingof the vehicle engine. The disabling function may be performed by theCPU 4 by issuing a data signal, which causes the vehicle ignition systemcircuitry to be shut-off or be “opened”, such as by opening a switchingdevice and/or a series of switching devices (i.e. a switch or relay (notshown)), which is or are located in, or designed into, the ignitionsystem circuitry, the starter motor, or at any other location in theignition system 7, or by issuing a disabling signal to the digital orlogic devices, which may be utilized in connection with the vehicleelectronic command computer and/or other electrical components orsystems.

It should be noted that any number of methods may be used, inconjunction with the apparatus 1, for disabling the vehicle ignitionsystem 7. The CPU 4 can be utilized to provide control signals, todisable or re-enable, the vehicle ignition system 7 just as anymicroprocessor-based digital system provides control over the operationof the components and/or peripheral devices utilized in conjunctiontherewith. The techniques utilized, in order to provide such controlover the vehicle ignition system 7 may be determined on avehicle-by-vehicle basis.

Once the vehicle ignition system 7 has been disabled, only the issuanceof a valid re-enable or reset command code, to the apparatus 1, may beutilized to re-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7. In thismanner, a carefully concealed and installed placement of the apparatus1, within the vehicle, will provide for a completely disabled vehicleuntil such time as a valid access code, followed by a valid re-enable orreset command code, is entered by the authorized user or operator in amanner consistent with the operation of the apparatus 1. As can bereadily appreciated, a carefully concealed apparatus 1, along with astrategically placed ignition cut-off circuitry or system, would renderit most difficult, if not impossible, for the thief or thieves topractically defeat the apparatus 1.

With reference once again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the CPU 4, at step 69,will then issue a disabling signal to the vehicle fuel pump system 9thereby de-activating the vehicle fuel pump system 9 and prohibiting thesupply of fuel to the vehicle engine. The disabling signal from the CPU4 can disable the vehicle fuel pump system 9 by any one of the wellknown methods for disabling a fuel pump system. In the case of electricfuel pump systems, said systems may be disabled by any one of the knownmethods for shutting-off or “opening” an electrical circuit whichprovides power to, or control over, the fuel pump system 9, such as by acut-off switch or relay, which methods and/or techniques may be similarto and/or analogous to those methods and/or techniques utilized inconnection with disabling the vehicle ignition system 7.

In the case where electronic components are utilized, the digitalcomponents or logic gates in the control circuitry may also be disabled.In the case where a mechanical fuel pump is utilized, an electric valveassembly, which may provide a fuel pump operation cut-off or disconnect,may also be utilized thereby allowing any appropriate method fordisabling an electrical fuel pump system to be utilized in order todisable the electric valve assembly, and ultimately, to shut-off ordisable the mechanical fuel pump system. The vehicle fuel pump systeminterface 10 may be utilized, if necessary, in order to facilitate theabove described disabling technique(s).

The CPU 4 can be utilized in order to provide control signals to disableor re-enable the vehicle fuel pump system 9 just as anymicroprocessor-based digital system provides control over the operationof components and peripheral devices utilized in conjunction therewith.It should be noted that the techniques utilized in order to providecontrol over (disable or re-enable) the vehicle fuel pump system 9 maybe determined on a vehicle-by-vehicle or fuel pump-by-fuel pump basis.

Upon the disabling of the vehicle ignition system 7, at step 68, and/orthe vehicle fuel pump system 9, at step 69, the CPU 4, at step 70, if socommanded, will then issue a control signal(s) to activate orde-activate, whichever the case may be, any one or more of the variousvehicle equipment systems 11 which are utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 1. As noted above, the vehicle equipment system(s) 11, ifemployed, may include an alarm or siren, which has a piercing sound andwhich is placed in the interior of the passenger compartment. The alarmor siren would serve to make it unbearable for the thief or thieves toremain inside the vehicle. External alarms or sirens may also beutilized in order to draw attention to the vehicle. A horn or horns,which could blare continuously or intermittently, could also be utilizedto draw attention to the vehicle.

A vehicle light system, i.e. head lights, tail lights, parking lights,etc. may also be activated so as to illuminate continuously orintermittently, such as by blinking, in order to draw attention to thevehicle. Other vehicle equipment systems, such as a power door lockingsystem, may be activated, immediately or after a delay, for securing thevehicle passenger compartment so as to prevent an entry thereunto or anexit therefrom. It is also envisioned that there may be a delay betweenthe disabling of the vehicle ignition system 7 and the activation of thepower door lock system so as to allow the thief or thieves to get out ofthe car before the locking operation takes place.

It is also envisioned that a mechanical hood locking system may beutilized and activated so as to lock the hood and prevent anunauthorized access into the vehicle engine compartment. Such a vehiclehood locking feature could prevent tampering with the apparatus 1 orwith other systems and/or components of the vehicle. A vehicle alarmsystem or anti-theft system(s), such as any one or more of the wellknown types of anti-theft and/or theft deterrent systems or devices mayalso be activated, and/or de-activated, when and if desired, by the CPU4. The CPU 4 may also activate a vehicle homing and/or tracking orrecovery device system such as a LoJack® Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systemand/or any other type of vehicle recovery system.

Any one or more of the above-described vehicle equipment system(s) 11which may include a power door lock system, including electronic and/orelectrical dead bolt locking devices, for securing the vehicle passengercompartment, hood or trunk, so as to prevent an unauthorized entrythereunto, video recording equipment, for recording and supplying videoinformation, and/or audio recording equipment, for recording andsupplying audio information, may also be activated or deactivated.

The CPU 4 can be utilized in order to provide control signals toactivate and/or to de-activate any one or more of the vehicle equipmentsystems 11 just as a microprocessor-based digital system providescontrol over components and/or over peripheral devices utilized inconjunction therewith. Such methods and/or techniques may be similar tothose methods and/or techniques utilized to provide control by the CPU 4over the vehicle ignition system 7 and the vehicle fuel pump system 9.It should be noted that the techniques utilized, in order to providecontrol over any of the vehicle equipment system(s) 11, may bedetermined on a vehicle-by-vehicle and/or system-by-system basis. It isalso envisioned that a vehicle exhaust system may be de-activated and/orsimilarly controlled by the apparatus 1.

Once disabled, the vehicle ignition system 7, and the vehicle fuel pumpsystem 9, will remain disabled even if the vehicle power supply shouldbe drained. This is due to the fact that the digital circuitry, which isutilized in the apparatus 1, in the vehicle ignition system 7, in thevehicle fuel pump system 9, and/or in any of the vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11, may include digital “memory” devices such as logic gates,flip-flops, etc. and/or electro-magnetic devices, such as switches orrelays, which may be chosen so as to remain in their state unlessaltered or activated in a predefined fashion, electrically,electronically or otherwise, or under the power of an electrical signalor stimulus which is controllable only by an authorized user oroperator. Further, even if the vehicle power is completely drained,these above mentioned devices, which may be chosen so as to require apredefined application of electrical or electronic power in order tochange their state, or their operating mode or operation, would havetheir re-activation prevented, and thus, the vehicle ignition system 7,the vehicle fuel pump system 9, and/or any of the vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11, will remain in a disabled state.

It is also envisioned that back-up and/or supplemental power supplies,such as batteries, fuel cells, etc., (not shown) may also be utilized inconjunction with the apparatus 1 so as to prolong the continuedactivation or de-activation of the vehicle ignition, fuel pump and/orany of the vehicle equipment system(s) 11 which are utilized.Supplemental power systems are optional and may also be employed withthe apparatus 1 so as to provide power for any unusual powerrequirements which may be required by the vehicle in which the apparatus1 may be installed. The back-up and/or supplemental power supplies mayalso be solar powered and/or be constantly chargeable by a vehiclerecharging and/or alternator system.

Upon the completion of apparatus 1 operation, at step 70, the CPU 4 willthen exit the operational program or interrupt service routine at step76. This signifies the completion of the operational program orinterrupt service routine in the case of receiving a disable commandcode. The CPU 4 will then await the next accessing and/or activation ofthe apparatus 1 by the authorized user or operator, via entry of a validaccess code into the transmitter system 2 as described above. Unless avalid access code, followed by a valid re-enable or reset command code,is entered into the transmitter interface 2A, the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, and the vehicle fuel pump system 9, will remain disabledand/or any of the utilized vehicle equipment system(s) 11, will remainin their activated or de-activated states.

Upon the vehicle being found or recovered, such as in a manner resultingfrom utilizing the vehicle position and locating device 13, in themanner described hereinbelow, the authorized user or operator may onceagain access the apparatus 1 by entering the valid access code into thetransmitter interface 2A and then by entering the valid re-enabling orreset command code. As described above, a valid access code will onceagain initiate the operation of the operational program or interruptservice routine, at step 60, which is described above and illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B. The valid re-enable or reset command code will then bereceived by the receiver 3, in the manner described above at step 61.

The command code data will then be transmitted to, or read by, the CPU4, at step 62 and processed and identified at step 62A. The CPU 4, atstep 63, will then determine whether the re-enable or reset commandcode, which was entered, is a valid code. The CPU 4, at step 64, willthen determine if the command code is a valid disable code. Since avalid re-enable or reset code has been entered, the CPU 4 will determinethat the command code is not a disable code. The CPU 4 will then proceedto step 71 and will determine whether the command code is a validre-enable or reset command code.

If the command code is not a valid re-enable or reset command code, theCPU 4 will exit the operational program or interrupt service routine, atstep 76, and will await entry of the next valid access code and commandcode. It should be noted that, as an added security measure, theapparatus 1 may be programmed so that, upon the receipt of one or moreinvalid access and/or command codes, the apparatus 1 may require thatthe authorized user or operator re-program a new access code for theapparatus 1 through a central office or agency or maintenance servicewhich provides service and/or maintenance for the apparatus 1. In anyevent, the apparatus 1 may be accessed by a valid access code with suchaccessing resetting the apparatus 1 and initiating the operation of theapparatus 1.

If, however, the entered command code is identified as a valid re-enableor reset code, at step 71, the CPU 4, subsequent to such determination,but prior to actually re-enabling or resetting the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, re-enabling the vehicle fuel pump system 9, and de-activatingor re-activating, whichever the case may be, any one or more of thevarious vehicle equipment systems 11 which are utilized, will perform atest, at step 72, in order to verify that the vehicle ignition system 7is, in fact, still disabled. If, at step 72, the vehicle ignition systemis still enabled or on, the CPU 4 will exit the operational program orinterrupt service routine and will await entry of the next valid accesscode and command code. This test, at step 72, is a safety feature whichserves to ensure that no re-enabling or resetting signal will be issuedby the apparatus 1 if the vehicle ignition system 7 is not disabled. Inthis manner, the operation of the vehicle ignition system 7 will not beinterrupted or affected, which interruption may be unsafe if the vehicleis already in operation or in motion.

It should be noted that neither the vehicle fuel pump system 9 nor anyof the various vehicle equipment systems 11 which may be utilized,should have their status of operation altered as any interruption of thestatus quo of each of the respective systems, during normal vehicleoperation, may also be unsafe.

If the vehicle ignition system 7 is determined to be disabled, at step72, the CPU 4 will, at step 73, issue a control signal which willre-enable or reset the vehicle ignition system 7. This may beaccomplished by any method and/or technique which would re-enable orre-activate the vehicle ignition system circuitry. The CPU 4, at step74, will then issue a control signal to re-enable or reset the vehiclefuel pump system 9, if so desired, which may also be accomplished byre-enabling or re-activating the vehicle fuel pump system circuitry.

The CPU 4 will then, at step 75, issue control signals to each of thevarious vehicle equipment systems 11 which are utilized, so as tode-activate or re-activate the respective system(s) which had beenactivated or de-activated, respectively, earlier at step 70 orotherwise. Upon the completion of the above-described events, thevehicle will then be ready for operation, barring any need for serviceand/or for repairs. The CPU 4, upon the completion of step 75, will thenexit the operational program or interrupt service routine, at step 76,and will await the next valid accessing and/or activation of theapparatus 1.

As noted above, if the re-enable or reset command code is not a validcode, the CPU 4 will ignore the received data, will exit the operationalprogram or interrupt service routine, at step 76, and will await thenext valid accessing and/or activation of the apparatus 1. In thisregard, if an invalid command code should be entered into thetransmitter interface 2A, such as by an authorized user or operator whohas made a mistaken entry, or who is trying to cancel the accessing andactivation of the apparatus 1, or by an unauthorized person attemptingto gain unauthorized access to the apparatus 1, the CPU 4, uponidentifying the code as an invalid command code, will ignore the commandcode transmission, and will exit the operational program or interruptservice routine, at step 76. The CPU 4 will then await the next validaccessing and/or activation of the apparatus 1.

Any subsequent accessing of the apparatus 1 will reset the apparatus 1thereby preventing the apparatus 1 from being left in a state of“limbo”. In this manner, the apparatus 1 serves to prevent anunauthorized accessing and/or an unwanted disabling or re-enabling orresetting of the vehicle ignition system 7 and/or the vehicle fuel pumpsystem 9 along with the activation or the de-activation of any of thevarious vehicle equipment systems 11 which may be utilized, unless anduntil all valid codes are utilized.

The above safeguards will also prevent a wrong or mis-dialed number fromaccidentally accessing and activating the apparatus 1 which may resultin an unwanted disabling or re-enabling, or the activation orde-activation, of the respective vehicle systems. These safeguards maybe provided at the access code level of transmission and/or at thecommand code level of transmission. Such safeguards also prevent theapparatus 1 from being accessed and left in a state of “limbo” which maycompromise the ability of an authorized user or operator to access andutilize the apparatus 1. The entry of an invalid access code will simplyfail to access the apparatus 1.

In this manner, the apparatus 1 serves to prevent an unauthorized or anunwanted disabling or re-enabling or setting or resetting of the vehicleignition system 7 and/or the vehicle fuel pump system 9 along with theactivation or the de-activation of any of the various vehicle equipmentsystems 11 which may be utilized.

As noted above, with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, once a valid disablecode has been recognized by the CPU 4, at step 64, the apparatus 1 will,at step 65, activate the vehicle position and locating device 13. Theoperation of the vehicle position and locating device 13 will then beinitiated, at step 65, and will operate simultaneously and/orconcurrently with, and independently of, the apparatus 1 and the CPU 4in the performance of the operational steps 66-76 and 71-76 as describedabove. In this manner, the vehicle position and locating device 13 isutilized to calculate, determine and transmit vehicle position data in amanner independently of apparatus control over the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, fuel pump system 9, and/or any of the vehicle equipmentsystem(s) 11.

FIG. 7 illustrates the operation, in flow diagram form, of the vehicleposition and locating device 13. As noted above, the operation of thevehicle position and locating device 13 commences at step 65 as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B and thereafter operates simultaneously and/orconcurrently with, and independently of, the operation of the apparatus1 and the CPU 4. With reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the vehicleposition and locating device 13 is initiated at step 200 of FIG. 7. Atstep 201, the computer 21 of the vehicle position and locating device 13activates the global positioning device 22, which is any one of thewidely known global positioning devices. Once activated, the globalpositioning device 22 calculates vehicle position data at step 202 byusing well known global positioning calculation methods and/ortechniques.

Once the vehicle position data has been calculated at step 202, a testis performed at step 203 in order to determine if the geographicalposition data (i.e., specific vehicle location identified on a map,location on identified roadway, etc.) has been requested. Ifgeographical position or location data has been requested, the computer21 will, at step 204, calculate the geographical position or locationdata of the vehicle in conjunction with the digital and/or digitized mapdata which is stored in the database 25. The calculated geographicalposition data of the vehicle will then be transmitted, at step 205, bythe transmitter 24, of the vehicle position and locating device 13, tothe vehicle position system receiver 14 which is located at the locationof the authorized user or operator, or at the authorized office, agencyor other entity.

If, at step 203, geographic position data has not been requested, thenthe position data which is calculated by the global positioning system22 is transmitted, at step 205, to the vehicle position system receiver14. In the preferred embodiment, the calculated vehicle position data istransmitted repeatedly for a predefined time interval which timeinterval is facilitated by utilizing the time delay at step 206.

In the preferred embodiment, the position data is transmitted repeatedlyfor a time period of five (5) minutes, which time period is monitored byutilizing the time delay function at step 206. Once the pre-defined timedelay period has elapsed, the computer 21 will, at step 207, determinewhether the vehicle position and location device 13 has beende-activated, such as would occur once the vehicle has been found and/orrecovered and/or if the apparatus 1 has been reset. If the vehicleposition and location device 13 has not been de-activated, operation ofthe vehicle position and locating device 13 will return to step 202 andwill once again calculate vehicle position data. In this manner, vehicleposition and/or location data may be updated. If the vehicle positiondevice 13 has been de-activated, the computer 21 will, at step 208, exitthe operational routine or interrupt service routine and will await itsnext re-activation.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the operation, in flow diagram form, of thevehicle position system receiver 14 which, as noted above, is located atthe location of the authorized user or operator or at an office, agencyor other entity which is authorized to receive the vehicle positionand/or location data. The vehicle position system receiver 14 receivesthe vehicle position data which is transmitted by the vehicle positiontransmitter 24 of the vehicle position and locating device 13. In thepreferred embodiment, the operation of the vehicle position systemreceiver 14 is activated upon receipt of a valid access code transmittedby the transmitter 3A. In this regard, the above-described access code,which is transmitted by the transmitter 3A, is also received by thereceiver 30 of the vehicle position system receiver 14 therebyactivating same.

In this regard, the access code is also utilized to activate the vehicleposition system receiver 14. The vehicle position system receiver 14 mayalso be manually and/or in some other way activated by the authorizeduser or operator or by the authorized agency, office or entity.

Operation of the vehicle position system receiver 14 is initiated atstep 250. The computer 31 will, upon receipt of the activate signal,activate the receiver 30, at step 251, which will await transmission ofthe vehicle position or location data, from the vehicle position andlocating device 13. Upon transmission of the vehicle position data fromthe vehicle position and locating device 13, the receiver 30 will, atstep 252, receive the vehicle position data.

The computer 31 will then, at step 253, determine if the received datais geographic position data. If geographic position data is obtained,the computer 31 will, at step 254, store the position data in memory andwill, at step 255, display the position data on the display 33. Ifgeographic position data has not been received, the computer 31, at step256, will generate an inquiry on the display 33 to determine ifgeographic position data is desired. The system will then await operatorresponse via the user interface 32. If the user selects to receivegeographic position data, the computer 31 will proceed to step 257 andcalculate geographic position data from the received “raw” positiondata.

The computer 31 will then, at step 254, store the data for the vehicleposition and will, at step 255, display the vehicle position data on thedisplay 33. If, at step 256, the user does not want to obtain geographicposition data, the computer 31 will, at step 254, store the “raw”position data and display it on the display 33 in a latitude and/orlongitude format, and/or in any other suitable and/or conventionalformat and/or manner which is utilized in conjunction with the globalpositioning device 22 or global positioning technology.

At step 258, the computer 31 will determine if more than one vehicleposition data point has been stored. If only one vehicle position datapoint has been stored, the computer 31 will instruct the receiver 30 toreceive the next vehicle position data transmission at step 252. If, atstep 258, more than one vehicle position data point has been stored, thecomputer 31 will, at step 259, calculate the track of vehicle movementand display the vehicle movement track on the display 33 at step 260.The computer 31, at step 261, will then determine if the authorized useror operator desires to continue operation of the vehicle position systemreceiver 14.

If the user or operator desires operation of the vehicle receiver systemreceiver 14 to continue, such as is the case when the vehicle has notyet been found or recovered, the computer 31 will return to operation,at step 252, and the receiver 30 will receive the next vehicle positiondata transmission and operation of the vehicle position system receiver14 will continue. If, however, it is determined, at step 261, that theuser or operator desires to discontinue operation of the vehicleposition system receiver 14, such as is the case when the vehicle hasbeen found or recovered, the vehicle position system receiver 14 will bede-activated and its operation will cease at step 262. Thereafter, thevehicle position system receiver 14 will await its next activation.

The above described operation of the vehicle position and locatingdevice 13 and the vehicle position system receiver 14 will continue tooperate, and continuously update vehicle position data until the vehicleis found and/or recovered, at which point these systems may bede-activated. It is envisioned that the apparatus 1 of the presentinvention may track and/or locate the vehicle anywhere in the world. Itis also important to note that vehicle position data, which is receivedat the vehicle position system receiver 14, may be output via a printer,via the computer display monitor and/or via a voice synthesized audiooutput via a speaker (not shown) which is connected to the vehicleposition receiver system 14.

In this manner, the apparatus 1 of the present invention may be utilizedto find and/or recover a stolen vehicle and/or to monitor vehicleoperation and/or vehicle location and/or movement.

In the above described manner, the present invention provides for anapparatus and a method for allowing an authorized user or operator of avehicle to prevent vehicle theft, to facilitate stolen vehicle recovery,and/or to safely surrender the vehicle under force, or threat of force,while affording the authorized user or operator the opportunity toprevent or seriously thwart the vehicle theft from a safe location orvantage point and facilitate vehicle recovery. The present invention mayalso be utilized to thwart, or prevent a vehicle theft even if thevehicle theft was discovered at a later time or from a location remotefrom the vehicle.

Further, the present invention provides for an apparatus and a methodfor disabling and/or re-enabling various systems of the vehicle, whenthe vehicle is not in use, simply by “calling up” the apparatus 1, so asto disable the vehicle and provide added security against theft. In thismanner, an authorized user or operator may disable the vehicle ignitionsystem 7, fuel pump system 9 and/or any of a variety of the vehicleequipment systems 11, of a vehicle which may be parked or in use, fromany location and/or at any time.

An authorized user or operator may also access the apparatus 1 at anytime and, with the use of an appropriate command code, may determine theoperating status of the vehicle and/or any one or more of the variousvehicle systems so as to determine if, for example, the ignition system7 or fuel pump system 9 is activated or on, thereby alerting theauthorized user or operator that someone is operating the vehicle. Anauthorized user or operator may also access the apparatus 1 so as todetermine vehicle position and/or location and/or the geographiclocation of the vehicle. In this manner, the authorized user or operatorcan provide monitoring and/or control over the vehicle and/or any of thevehicle equipment systems and/or devices, determine the status of thevehicle and/or of any of the vehicle equipment systems or devices,and/or determine and/or monitor the location of his or her vehicle atany time and for any reason. In this regard, a safe and an effectiveanti-theft and/or vehicle recovery apparatus and method is provided bythe present invention.

While, in the above description, the operation of the present inventionhas been described and illustrated in conjunction with the use of avalid disable command code and a valid re-enable or reset command code,it is also envisioned that any number of valid disable command codesand/or any number of valid re-enable or reset command codes may beutilized, wherein each different disable code or re-enable or reset codemay selectively disable or re-enable or reset any one or any combinationof the vehicle systems, such as the vehicle ignition system 7, thevehicle fuel pump system 9, and/or any one or more of the variousvehicle auxiliary equipment systems 11 which may be utilized. In thismanner, the authorized user or operator may utilize the presentinvention to selectively disable, re-enable, de-activate or re-activateany one or more of the vehicle systems, or a combination thereof, at hisor her discretion, at any time, wherever he or she may be. Theoperational program and/or interrupt service routine may be altered,modified and/or supplemented in order to service the multitude ofpossible command codes which may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 1.

As noted above, an authorized user or operator may also utilize commandcodes for determining status of the apparatus 1, or of the vehicle, orany one or more of the vehicle systems. A command code may also beemployed to simply determine vehicle position data. In any of the abovecases, however, the operational program or interrupt service routinewould have to be modified so as to identify and service each of thepossible command codes. The operational program or interrupt serviceroutine would also have to be modified so as to identify each of thepossible valid command codes so as to provide for the appropriate CPU 4and apparatus 1 response thereto.

The apparatus 1, the CPU 4, and/or any of the vehicle systems and/ordevices and/or vehicle equipment systems, and/or the respectiveinterface devices associated therewith or corresponding thereto, mayalso be programmable by the user or operator via the transmitter 2,and/or at the vehicle in an appropriate manner and by an appropriatelysecured device, so that certain parameters, such as the timing, and/orthe degree of disabling or re-enabling, of the various vehicle systemsmay be programmed and/or controlled. Any of the above-described systemsand/or devices may be programmable for timed enabling and/or disabling,for timed activation, and/or for deferred activation, etc. By utilizinga multitude of command codes, including disable codes and/or re-enableor reset codes, which codes affect different vehicle systems, orcombinations thereof, it is possible to selectively control the vehiclesystems from a remote location. This feature provides for greaterversatility in the utilization of the apparatus 1.

By providing the capability for utilizing different disable codes and/orre-enable or reset codes, the authorized user or operator may utilizethe apparatus 1 of the present invention so as to disable or re-enableor reset the vehicle ignition system 7 and the vehicle fuel pump system9, at any time, so as to disable the vehicle without activating orde-activating any of the vehicle equipment systems 11, and therefore,without drawing attention to the vehicle.

This feature would enable an authorized user or operator to disable,re-enable, or reset the vehicle ignition system 7, the vehicle fuel pumpsystem 9, and/or activate or de-activate any one or more of the variousvehicle equipment systems 11, so as to disable the vehicle at any timeand from any location. In this manner, the authorized user or operatormay disable the vehicle, and/or any of the vehicle systems, daily and/ornightly, while at work, before going to sleep at night, or at any othertime, simply by accessing and activating the apparatus 1 by using thetransmitter 2 or transceiver which may simply be a touch-tone telephone.

Since the vehicle ignition system 7 is usually off at these times, thedisabling, and the subsequent re-enabling of other vehicle systems willoccur as described above with regards to FIGS. 6A and 6B. In thismanner, the present invention may provide for an effective device bywhich to “lock-up” a vehicle, at any time, even when the vehicle is inthe rightful possession, or under the control, of the vehicle ownerand/or authorized operator.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the presentinvention can be utilized in order to provide control over and/or tomonitor, the vehicle, any of the vehicle systems, devices, and/orcomponents, vehicle operating status, the operating status of thevehicle's systems, devices, and/or components, video and/or audio insidethe vehicle, video and/or audio outside the vehicle, video and/or audioin the vicinity of the vehicle, to provide video conferencing withindividuals inside, outside, and/or in the vicinity of the vehicle, toprovide notification to a vehicle owner and/or operator of a anoperational status and/or state of disrepair of the vehicle and/or avehicle system, device, and/or component, to provide for remote vehiclediagnostic and/or repair functions, to provide notification from thevehicle CPU 4 regarding vehicle operation, operational status of thevehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems, devices, and/or components.

The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide videoand/or audio confirmation and/or verification of and/or for any control,monitoring, and/or security, operation and/or activity which can beeffected and/or facilitated via the apparatus of the present invention.In this manner, a user of the present invention who may, for example,effect a control or monitoring function involving the vehicle (i.e.starting the engine, turning on the lights, activating the alarm,turning off the engine, turning the vehicle, and so on, etc.) can obtaina video and/or audio confirmation at and/or from the vehicle that theoperation has been effected.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the respectivevehicle equipment system(s) and/or the command computer can ascertain astate of disrepair in any vehicle system, device, and/or component, andcan provide notification to the CPU 4. The CPU 4 can then generateand/or transmit an appropriate notification signal to the centralprocessing computer servicing the vehicle. The central processingcomputer can thereafter generate and/or transmit an appropriate signaland/or message to the computer and/or communication device associatedwith the vehicle owner or operator.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus ofthe present invention can be utilized in order to notify themanufacturer, dealer, and/or repair center of a state of disrepair,thereby allowing the respective manufacturer, dealer, and/or repaircenter, to monitor the repairs of the respective vehicles, maintainsatisfactory inventories, and/or in other ways utilize this informationto better service their respective clients and/or customers.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the presentinvention can be utilized in order to provide remote diagnostic servicesregarding the vehicle. The respective vehicle service individuals and/orentities can access the vehicle via the computer and/or communicationdevice associated with the service individual and/or entity and via thecentral processing computer. Vehicle, vehicle system, vehicle deviceand/or vehicle component, diagnostic data and/or information can beobtained at and/or from the vehicle and can be transmitted back to thecomputer and/or communication device of the service individual and/orentity, via the central processing computer and/or directly. Thereafter,the diagnostic data and/or information can be presented to and/ordiagnosed at and/or by the computer and/or communication deviceassociated with the service individual and/or entity. In this manner,the present invention can be utilized in order to provide remote vehiclerepair diagnostics. In instances wherein a repair can be effected byreprogramming a respective vehicle system, device, and/or component, theservice individual and/or entity can then transmit an appropriate repairsignal to the vehicle from the computer and/or communication deviceassociated with service individual and/or entity, either directly and/orvia the central processing computer, to the CPU 4 located at thevehicle. Thereafter, the CPU 4 can effect the reprogramming of therespective vehicle system, device, and/or component. In this manner, theapparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in orderto effect remote diagnostics and repair of, for, and regarding and/orall of the vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, aircraft,and/or shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipmentcontainers, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protectivecontainers, railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freightcontainers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes,bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyancestructures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, and/or equipment,structures, and/or premises described herein.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with“smart” vehicle components and/or devices. These “smart” componentsand/or devices can detect wear, state of disrepair, and/or any otherdefined condition and/or state, of the respective component and/ordevice. Upon the detection of a condition or state for which anindividual owner or operator may desire and/or should be notified, therespective “smart” component and/or device can generate and/or transmitan appropriate signal to the CPU 4 which can then generate and transmita signal to the central processing computer. The central processingcomputer can thereafter generate and/or transmit an appropriate signalto the computer and/or communication device associated with the owner oroperator of the vehicle. In a reverse fashion, a vehicle owner oroperator and/or an agent thereof can access the “smart” component, viathe apparatus and method of the present invention can determine thecondition and/or state of the “smart” component.

FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein an arming device 15 and an activation device 16 areutilized in conjunction with the components of the apparatus 1 ofFIG. 1. In FIG. 9, the arming device 15 is utilized to arm, activate, oraccess the apparatus 1 and provides a means by which to access theapparatus 1 separate and apart from the transmitter 2/receiver 3combination.

The arming device 15 may be a remote transmitter such as those utilizedin conjunction with anti-theft devices or systems and/or alarm systems.The arming device 15 may also be a switch, a card reader, includingstripe card readers, proximity card readers, turnstile card readers,insertion card readers, key and key insertion devices and readers,magnetic card readers and/or optical cards and/or card readers. Thearming device 15 may also be a key switch, a key pad, a keylessactivation device with associated key, and/or any other suitable device.The arming device may also be, or include, a voice recognition device(s)or reader(s), voice signature device(s) or reader(s), fingerprintrecognition device(s) or reader(s), handprint recognition device(s) orreader(s), hand scanners and/or hand geometry readers. As with any ofthe above devices and/or components, the arming device(s) may bedirectly connected to the CPU 4 or may be linked to the CPU 4 via awireless communication link or medium.

It is also envisioned that, with a suitable arming device 15, such as akeypad or other device for data input, the authorized user or operatormay arm the apparatus 1 with a desired command code. In this manner, aprogrammable arming device may be utilized wherein apparatus operation,under the command of any of the variety of possible command codes, canbe made automatic and/or programmable. An automatic activation may alsobe performed by an appropriate code being transmitted to the apparatus 1via the transmitter 2 or transceiver.

The activation device 16 is chosen to correspond with the arming device15. In this regard, the activation device 16 may be a switch, a keyswitch, a keypad, a suitable card reader, including stripe card readers,proximity card readers, turnstile card readers, insertion card readers,key and key insertion devices and readers, magnetic card readers,optical card readers, insertion card readers, optical readers as well asa keyless security device. The activation device 16 is connecteddirectly to the CPU 4 as shown in FIG. 9 or it may be connected to theCPU 4 via a wireless communication link or medium.

In certain circumstances, such as when a keypad, key switch and/or anyof the various cards and card readers are employed, the arming device 15and the activation device 16 may be one and the same device and/orcomprise one and the same combination of devices.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 provides a mechanism by which an authorizeduser or operator may arm, activate, and/or access the apparatus 1. Uponthe arming, activation or accessing of the apparatus 1, the CPU 4 will,upon the activation of the vehicle ignition system 7, monitor theactivation device 16. After a selected and predetermined time interval,chosen in the preferred embodiment to be ten (10) seconds, has elapsed,if the user or operator of the vehicle has failed to successfullyactivate the activation device 16, either by activating the switch, byusing the associated key, by inputting a predetermined code (i.e.password or pass code) into the keypad, or by utilizing the appropriatecard or key or other device corresponding to the utilized card reader orother associated device, the CPU 4 will issue an appropriate disablingand/or command signal to activate the apparatus 1 automatically so as tothereby disable the vehicle as described above and so as to alsoactivate the vehicle position and locating device 13.

The command code may be pre-programmed as a default code and/or may beoperator selected and programmed in any manner described above for useror operator entry of such a code. In this regard, if an unauthorizeduser or operator fails to properly activate the activation device 16,within the predetermined time period, the CPU 4 will recognize suchfailure as that which results from an unauthorized use or operation ofthe vehicle.

In the above-described manner, the embodiment of FIG. 9 provides amechanism by which the apparatus 1, may be activated automatically orself-activated. By utilizing the embodiment of FIG. 9, the authorizeduser or operator, after arming the apparatus 1, need not perform atransmission of an access code and a command code to the apparatus 1, asa default code, which is previously chosen and/or programmed into theapparatus 1 will provide a command signal to the CPU 4. As noted above,with an appropriate arming device 15, the command code may be userselected and/or programmable.

It is also important to note that the arming device 15/activation device16 may be utilized to activate the apparatus 1 and/or any one or more ofthe vehicle systems, including the ignition system 7, the fuel pumpsystem 9, any one or more of the various vehicle equipment systems 11which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1, and/or thevehicle position and locating device 13. In this regard, the armingdevice 15 and the activation device 16 provide a mechanism by which toautomatically activate the apparatus 1 along with any other anti-theftsystem utilized in the vehicle which may be controlled by the apparatus1. The vehicle position and locating device 13 may also be activated byan automatic activation of the apparatus 1.

It is also possible to program the apparatus 1 with a command code sothat the apparatus will be programmed to become activated, orde-activated, automatically, such as upon the occurrence, or lackthereof, of a pre-defined event or occurrence and/or at any desiredtime. If the apparatus 1 has been programmed to become activatedautomatically, the transmitter 4A of the CPU 4 can transmit datarelating to vehicle status, apparatus status, the status of each of thevehicle systems utilized, as well as vehicle position data, to arespective receiver which is utilized by the authorized user or operatorand/or at the receiver located at a central security office. In thisregard, the present invention provides an apparatus and method by whicha vehicle and/or a premises can report a theft situation and/oroccurrence by itself. The apparatus can transmit a signal viatransmitter 4A, or any other suitable apparatus transmitter, to a user,operator, owner, occupant or authorized office or individual of, andfor, a respective vehicle or premises.

The apparatus may also be designed or programmed to notify the user,operator, owner, occupant, authorized central office or individual with,or by, multiple communication devices, methods and/or efforts. Theapparatus may be designed or programmed to telephone, telephone at analternate phone and/or at a business phone, beep or page, send afacsimile (fax) message transmission to, send a voice messagetransmission to, send an electronic mail message transmission to, and/orsend a message to an answering service for, a user, operator, owner,occupant, authorized central office or individual of, and for, therespective vehicle or premises.

In this regard, the apparatus may be designed or programmed to telephonean owner, user, operator, occupant, or other authorized central officeindividual or other authorized individual, at a primary phone number, atan alternate or forwarding phone number and/or at a business phonenumber, send a beeper or pager message to the individual or centraloffice and/or send a facsimile, an electronic mail message, a voice mailmessage and/or an answering service message to, or for, the individualor central office. In this manner, the apparatus may report a theftand/or a malfunction situation to the interested individual(s) byutilizing multiple notification and/or reporting avenues so as toprovide and ensure that the interested individual(s) are in factnotified as soon as possible.

The user, operator, owner or occupant of the respective vehicle orpremises may also activate the apparatus from the vehicle or premisesand transmit a signal to the receiver 955 of the apparatus 950 at thecentral office and/or to the receiver 2C, if necessary, so as tocommunicate with individuals at these receiver locations and/or toreport an emergency, a breakdown and/or some other occurrence.

In this regard, the apparatus 1, when in the automatic activation mode,or simply when being monitored and/or during a status check, maytransmit data to the appropriate and respective devices. Further, inthis regard, the apparatus 1 of the present invention may be utilized toexercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functions,to report and/or to prevent a vehicle theft and/or determine vehicleposition and/or location, in instances when the authorized user oroperator is unaware of the theft and/or does not have access to theapparatus or vehicle.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may also beprogrammable for programmed and/or automatic activation,self-activation, programmed and/or automatic operation and/orself-operation. The apparatus and method of the present invention mayprovide for an immediate, as well as for a deferred, control, monitoringand/or security function, and/or response thereto, so as to provide forthe immediate and/or the deferred control, activation, de-activation,programming, monitoring and/or security, etc., of any one or more of therespective vehicle systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., whichmay be utilized in the above described embodiments as well any of theembodiments described hereinbelow.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevehicle position and locating device 13 includes a plurality of globalpositioning devices which are strategically located at various pointsand/or locations in, or on, the vehicle. FIG. 10 illustrates anotherpreferred embodiment of the vehicle position and locating device whichis denoted by the reference numeral 130. In FIG. 10, the vehicleposition and/or locating device 130 includes five (5) global positioningdevices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and 22E with corresponding global positioningreceivers 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D and 23E, respectively, associatedtherewith. The vehicle position and/or locating device 130 also includesposition data transmitter 24 and a digital map database 25.

Each of the global positioning devices 22A–22E is placed at a differentpoint and/or location in, or on, the vehicle. The distances between eachof the global positioning devices is recorded and stored in the computer21. Upon the activation of the global positioning devices 22A–22E andthe calculation of each position or location of each device, theposition data is transmitted to, or read by, the computer 21, and adetermination is made as to whether the initially stored distancesbetween the devices have changed.

Any change in distance between any two or more of the respective globalpositioning devices 22A–22E would represent that the vehicle, or atleast a portion thereof, has been dismantled, at least in part, andpossibly to a greater extent, depending upon the resulting disparity inthe respective distances. This information may then be transmitted viatransmitter 24 to the vehicle position system receiver 14 and theauthorized user or operator can be notified of this condition. In thismanner, it can be ascertained if a vehicle has been dismantled,“chopped”, or stripped, which information may be vital in the recoveryprocess, and in the insurance claims process. The embodiment of FIG. 10can also be utilized in order to ascertain if the vehicle has beencompacted or “boxed.” In this manner, the present invention may also beutilized in order to determine if the vehicle has been structurallyaltered in any manner.

The apparatus and the method of the present invention may also beutilized in conjunction with a central security office or agency, suchas a private security service, or by local or regional law enforcementoffices or agencies, in order to provide a prompt means by which toreport a vehicle theft, provide for a manner in which to disable and/orre-enable a vehicle system, and/or to determine vehicle position and/orlocation so as to facilitate the recovery of the vehicle. In such anembodiment, vehicle owners will register their vehicles and any and allnecessary information pertaining thereto, including access and commandcodes, with the central security office.

The present invention may also be utilized so as to provide for acentralized control and/or monitoring of and/or for any of the vehicleand/or premises described herein, and/or for prompt law enforcementtheft reporting, response to the theft report and/or recovery of therespective vehicles described herein. FIG. 11A illustrates anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus 1 isutilized in conjunction with a central processing computer which can belocated at a central security office or agency, such as a privatesecurity service, or by a local or regional law enforcement office oragency. In FIG. 11A, the apparatus 1 is utilized in conjunction with anassociated apparatus 950 which, in the preferred embodiment, is locatedat the central security office.

The apparatus 950 includes a receiver 955 which may, but need not, beidentical to the receiver 3 which is utilized in the apparatus 1. Thereceiver 955 should be capable of receiving the various codes which canbe transmitted by the transmitter 2 or transceiver (i.e. access code(s)and command code(s)) for any one or for any number of vehicles which maybe registered with the central security office. The receiver 955 shouldbe capable of receiving the access code(s) and command code(s) for eachregistered apparatus.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, the apparatus 950 also includes a centralprocessing computer 970, which is connected to the receiver 955. Theapparatus 950 also includes a vehicle position system receiver 960 forreceiving position data which is transmitted from the vehicle positionand locating device 13. The position data system receiver 960 is alsoconnected to the central processing computer 970. The central processingcomputer 970 also includes the requisite memory ROM and RAM devices (notshown). The apparatus 950 also includes a display device 980, a userinterface device 975 and an output device 985 which can be a printer,all of which devices are connected to the central processing computer970 and are utilized in conjunction therewith.

The apparatus 950 also includes a transmitter 965 which is connected tothe central processing computer 970. The transmitter 965 serves totransmit data to the apparatus 1. The transmitter 965 may also beutilized to transmit data to the transmitter 2, to the vehicle positionsystem receiver 14 and/or to the home and/or personal computer 150, ifutilized. Such data which is transmitted from the transmitter 965 mayinclude the various access and command codes and/or other codes, such asthose codes for ascertaining the status of the vehicle, the apparatus 1,or any one or more of the vehicle systems which are controlled,monitored, and/or secured or used in conjunction with the apparatus 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 955, the vehicle positionsystem receiver 960, and the transmitter 965 are the same types ofdevices as those utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this regard,the receivers 955 and 960, and the transmitter 965, are devices forreceiving, and transmitting, respectively, radio signals, satellitecommunication signals, telecommunications signals, optical communicationsignals and/or other signals and/or those signals, including digitalsignals, which are utilized in conjunction with personal communicationdevices and/or personal communication services (PCS) devices. Thedevices utilized should, however, be of the same type and/or operatecompatibly with the corresponding transmitters and receivers of theapparatus 1.

It is envisioned that the authorized user or operator will register hisor her vehicle with the apparatus 950 such as by registering vehicleidentification information along with vehicle access and command codedata along with any other pertinent information described herein.Further, the receiver 955 is programmed to receive any and all of thesignals transmitted from each one of the respective registeredtransmitters 2 of the respectively registered vehicles.

The vehicle position system receiver 960 is programmed to receive thevehicle position data which is transmitted by each one of therespectively registered vehicle position and locating devices 13 of eachof the respectively registered vehicles.

The apparatus 950 is utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1 in thefollowing manner. As noted above, the central processing computer 970 iscapable of recognizing all of the possible access code(s) and commandcode(s) which are recognized by the apparatus 1 for a particularvehicle. The apparatus 950 is capable of storing vehicle identificationinformation as well as access code and command code data for a pluralityof registered vehicles.

Upon the occurrence of a vehicle theft, or the discovery thereof, theauthorized user or operator can access the apparatus 1 in the mannerdescribed above. In a first embodiment, the access code is transmittedto and received at, the receiver 3 of apparatus 1 and at the receiver955 of apparatus 950. Upon receipt of the access code by both thereceiver 3 and the receiver 950, both the apparatus 1 and the apparatus950, respectively, will be accessed.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,882,579 which teaches a code division multiplexedacknowledge back (ack-back) paging system which includes a centralstation which transmits a group of message signals to a group ofack-back pagers which are addressed as a group.

The signal received at the receiver 955 is transmitted to, or read from,the central processing computer 970 of the apparatus 950. The centralprocessing computer 970 will then identify the vehicle which is stolenand/or which has been accessed. When the authorized user or operatortransmits the command code, the command code is received at the receiver955 of the apparatus 950 as well as at the receiver 3 of the apparatus1. In this regard, when the apparatus 1 is processing the command codeand performing the functions corresponding thereto, the centralprocessing computer 970 of the apparatus 950 is simultaneously and/orconcurrently processing the command code data so that the authorizedpersonnel monitoring the apparatus 950 will be aware of which commandcode has been transmitted by the authorized user or operator and whichoperations are being exercised and/or performed, or are to be performed,on the vehicle (i.e., vehicle ignition system and/or fuel pump systemdisabled, etc.). The authorized personnel monitoring the apparatus 950will also be aware of which operations and/or systems, equipment,devices and/or appliances, are being controlled, monitored and/orsecured. The apparatus 950, in the preferred embodiment, may also beutilized to exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or securityfunctions on, or over, the vehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems,equipment, devices and/or appliances.

Upon the transmission of the vehicle position data from the vehicleposition and locating device 13, the vehicle position data will betransmitted to, and received by, the vehicle position system receiver960 of the apparatus 950 as well as by the vehicle position systemreceiver 14 of the apparatus 1. The central processing computer 970 ofthe apparatus 950 will process the received vehicle position datasimultaneously and/or concurrently with the processing of said positiondata by the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1.

In this regard, the vehicle position data can be processed by, and at,the apparatus 950. Vehicle position data can then be displayed toauthorized personnel at the central security office on the displaydevice 980 or output via the output device 985 which may be a printer.While operation of the apparatus 950 may be automatic, authorizedpersonnel may enter commands so as to provide control over, or operate,the apparatus 950 via the user interface 975, if desired.

In this manner, vehicle location or movement may be displayed, and/ortracked, on the display device 980 or output via the output device 985at the central security office. In this regard, authorized personnel atthe central security office or agency could locate or track the vehicleand alert the proper authorities.

In yet another embodiment, the access code may be only transmitted to,and received by, the receiver 955 of the apparatus 950. The apparatus 1may then be accessed and controlled via access and command codes whichare transmitted by the transmitter 965 of the apparatus 950 which accessand command codes are received by the receiver 3 of the respectivevehicle. In this embodiment, the authorized personnel may providecontrol over the apparatus 1 by inputting data and commands into theuser interface 975. In this embodiment, the vehicle position data andany data transmitted by the CPU 4 of the apparatus 1, is transmitted to,and received by, the vehicle position receiver system 960 and/or at thevehicle position system receiver 14, respectively.

In yet another embodiment, the access code may be transmitted andreceived only at the receiver 3 thereby accessing the apparatus 1. Thevehicle transmitter 3A then transmits a data signal to the receiver 955of the apparatus 950 thereby alerting the apparatus 950 that the vehiclehas been stolen. Command code data as well as other data may then betransmitted to the apparatus 1 via the transmitter 965 of the apparatus950. The apparatus 950 may be designed to operate and/or perform any andall of the described functions automatically and without operatorintervention. Vehicle position data may then be received by the vehicleposition receiver system 960 and/or at the vehicle position systemreceiver 14, respectively. The vehicle position data may then beprocessed at the central processing computer 970 of the apparatus 950and/or at the computer 31 of the vehicle position system receiver 14.

In this manner, the apparatus 950 can serve to provide control over, andmonitor the functions of, the apparatus 1 for a vehicle or for aplurality of vehicles, and further, the apparatus 950 provides the meansby which to allow a central security office or local or regional lawenforcement office or agency to exercise and/or perform control,monitoring and/or security functions over the vehicles which areregistered therewith. The apparatus and method of the present inventionmay also be utilized to monitor the operational status, operation and/orstate or status of a one or more of the various vehicle systems,components and/or devices. In the case where the apparatus 1 isautomatically activated, as described above, the apparatus 1 cantransmit a signal, indicative of vehicle theft and/or an unauthorizeduse or operation of the vehicle, to the apparatus 950 thereby reportingthe unauthorized use or operation, or theft, before the authorized useror operator is able to discover same.

The apparatus 950 may also be utilized so as to verify and monitorapparatus accessing and/or activation by the authorized user oroperator. The authorized user or operator may “call” the centralsecurity office simply to determine the status and/or the whereabouts orlocation of his or her vehicle. Both the apparatus 1 and the apparatus950 can provide the same functions and exercise the same control,monitoring, and/or security functions over the vehicle.

The above-described preferred embodiment, wherein the present inventionis utilized in conjunction with a central security office, such as aprivate security agency, or a local or regional law enforcement office,agency and/or authority, provides for and facilitates a prompt and animmediate reporting of a vehicle theft or unauthorized use, and/orprovides for ascertaining the status and/or the location of and/or themonitoring of the vehicle. This embodiment also allows the authorizeduser or operator to take any of the possible steps by which to reportand/or to thwart the vehicle theft and activate a vehicle recoverysystem. Law enforcement efforts could be greatly assisted and enhancedas information which identifies the vehicle could then be immediatelyavailable to the central security office and/or to the local or regionallaw enforcement authorities. Such an embodiment could also greatlyassist in processing insurance claims relating to stolen vehicles.

The apparatus 950 may also be utilized in connection with an on-lineservice and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, orother suitable communication network or medium, in a manner analogous tothat described above in connection with the utilization of a home and/ora personal computer 150.

FIG. 11B illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the apparatus of FIG. 11A is utilized in conjunctionwith an on-line service and/or on, or over, the Internet and/or theWorld Wide Web or other suitable communication network or medium. InFIG. 11B, the home and/or personal computer 150 of FIG. 5A is utilizedin place of the transmitter 2 or transceiver and the vehicle positionsystem receiver 14. The apparatus 950 has associated therewith anon-line service and/or an Internet computer system or server 952 with anassociated server receiver 953 and transmitter 957 for receiving andtransmitting, respectively, any and all data utilized in conjunctionwith the operation of the server 952, the apparatus 1 and the apparatus950.

The transmitter 957 transmits any and all appropriate signals to theappropriate and respective devices of the arrangement of FIG. 11B duringapparatus operation. In this regard, the server 952 can exercise and/orperform control, monitoring and/or security functions on, or over, theapparatus 1 and the apparatus 950 and also provide for an apparatuswhich can be utilized, in its entirety, over an on-line service and/oron, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web or other suitablecommunication network or medium. In FIG. 11B, a Web Site 954 isassociated with the server 952.

Any and all data received by the receiver 955 is also received by theserver receiver 953. Data which is transmitted by the home and/orpersonal computer 150, the CPU transmitter 4A, the receiver transmitter3A and the vehicle position and locating device transmitter 24 arereceived by the server receiver 953 as well as by the receivers 955 and960, respectively.

The server 952 will process the data received by the server receiver 953and perform the same processing functions and/or computing functions asthe central processing computer 970, the CPU 4, and/or the computer 150.

The user may transmit data, via the home and/or personal computer 150,directly to the apparatus 1, to the apparatus 950 and/or to the server952. By using the computer 150 in conjunction with an appropriatecommunications medium, the authorized user or operator may access theserver 952 via the on-line service and/or via the associated Web site954, or in any other appropriate manner, so as to provide control over,and/or obtain any and all of the above-described data and/or informationregarding, his or her vehicle over the on-line service and/or on, orover, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web or other suitablecommunication network or medium.

The authorized user or operator may also access and provide control overor exercise and/or perform control, monitoring and/or security functionson, or over, the apparatus 1, the apparatus 950 and/or the server 952via the on-line service and/or via the Web Site 954. In this regard, thepresent invention enables an authorized user or operator to providecontrol over vehicle systems and/or monitor the vehicle system statusand/or position and/or movement of the vehicle over an on-line serviceand/or on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web or othersuitable communication network or medium. The apparatus transmitters, ofthe transmitter 2, the receiver 3, the CPU 4, and the vehicle positionand locating device 13, once the apparatus 1 has been activated, mayalso transmit data directly to the receiver 953 of the server 952 and/orto the Web Site 954. In this manner, all of the data transmitted by theapparatus 1 and/or by the apparatus 950 can be supplied to the server952 of the on-line service and/or the Internet and/or the Web Site 954of the World Wide Web.

Data access and command code data, as well as other data, may also betransmitted by the authorized user or operator, via the respectiveapparatus transmitters to the receiver 953 of the server 952 and/or tothe Web Site 954.

The server 952 can perform complete control, monitoring and/or securityfunctions on, or over, the apparatus 1, the apparatus 950, the vehicle,and/or each of the vehicle systems. The apparatus and method of thepresent invention may be equipped with software and hardware forproviding a systematic check of any and all of the apparatus and vehiclesystems, including the status or state of the vehicle equipment systems,equipment, devices and/or appliances and provide data relating theretoto the user or operator and/or to the authorized individual(s) at theabove-described central security office. The server transmitter 957 cantransmit control signals and/or other data, including information to theauthorized user or operator and to the apparatus 1 and/or to theapparatus 950. It is also envisioned that the server 952 and the centralprocessing computer 970 may be combined into a single central computersystem.

In the above manner, the apparatus and method of the present inventionprovides a remote-controlled control, monitoring and/or security system,or vehicle anti-theft and/or vehicle recovery apparatus and method, foruse in conjunction with an on-line service and/or on, or over, theInternet and/or the World Wide Web or other suitable communicationnetwork or medium. In this manner, the apparatus and method of thepresent invention also provides for a remote-controlled control,monitoring and/or security system which provides visual, video,graphical, audio and/or audible information to the user. Use over theInternet and/or the World Wide Web and/or other related communicationsystems and/or mediums and/or over on-line services provides for globalcoverage, control, monitoring and/or security for the vehicle.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the presentinvention can be utilized in order to provide control over and/or tomonitor, the vehicle, any of the vehicle systems, devices, and/orcomponents, vehicle operating status, the operating status of thevehicle's systems, devices, and/or components, video and/or audio insidethe vehicle, video and/or audio outside the vehicle, video and/or audioin the vicinity of the vehicle, to provide video conferencing withindividuals inside, outside, and/or in the vicinity of the vehicle, toprovide notification to a vehicle owner and/or operator of a anoperational status and/or state of disrepair of the vehicle and/or avehicle system, device, and/or component, to provide for remote vehiclediagnostic and/or repair functions, to provide notification from thevehicle CPU 4 regarding vehicle operation, operational status of thevehicle and/or any of the vehicle systems, devices, and/or components.

The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide videoand/or audio confirmation and/or verification of and/or for any control,monitoring, and/or security, operation and/or activity which can beeffected and/or facilitated via the apparatus of the present invention.In this manner, a user of the present invention who may, for example,effect a control or monitoring function involving the vehicle (i.e.starting the engine, turning on the lights, activating the alarm,turning off the engine, turning the vehicle, and so on, etc.) can obtaina video and/or audio confirmation at and/or from the vehicle that theoperation has been effected.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the respectivevehicle equipment system(s) and/or the command computer can ascertain astate of disrepair in any vehicle system, device, and/or component, andcan provide notification to the CPU 4. The CPU 4 can then generateand/or transmit an appropriate notification signal to the centralprocessing computer servicing the vehicle. The central processingcomputer can thereafter generate and/or transmit an appropriate signaland/or message to the computer and/or communication device associatedwith the vehicle owner or operator.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus ofthe present invention can be utilized in order to notify themanufacturer, dealer, and/or repair center of a state of disrepair,thereby allowing the respective manufacturer, dealer, and/or repaircenter, to monitor the repairs of the respective vehicles, maintainsatisfactory inventories, and/or in other ways utilize this informationto better service their respective clients and/or customers.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the presentinvention can be utilized in order to provide remote diagnostic servicesregarding the vehicle. The respective vehicle service individuals and/orentities can access the vehicle via the computer and/or communicationdevice associated with the service individual and/or entity and via thecentral processing computer.

Vehicle, vehicle system, vehicle device and/or vehicle component,diagnostic data and/or information can be obtained at and/or from thevehicle and can be transmitted back to the computer and/or communicationdevice of the service individual and/or entity, via the centralprocessing computer and/or directly. Thereafter, the diagnostic dataand/or information can be presented to and/or diagnosed at and/or by thecomputer and/or communication device associated with the serviceindividual and/or entity. In this manner, the present invention can beutilized in order to provide remote vehicle repair diagnostics.

In instances wherein a repair can be effected by reprogramming arespective vehicle system, device, and/or component, the serviceindividual and/or entity can then transmit an appropriate repair signalto the vehicle from the computer and/or communication device associatedwith service individual and/or entity, either directly and/or via thecentral processing computer, to the CPU 4 located at the vehicle.Thereafter, the CPU 4 can effect the reprogramming of the respectivevehicle system, device, and/or component. In this manner, the apparatusand method of the present invention can be utilized in order to effectremote diagnostics and repair of, for, and regarding and/or all of thevehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, aircraft, and/orshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, of any size, kind, or type, and/or equipment, structures,and/or premises described herein.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with“smart” vehicle components and/or devices. These “smart” componentsand/or devices can detect wear, state of disrepair, and/or any otherdefined condition and/or state, of the respective component and/ordevice. Upon the detection of a condition or state for which anindividual owner or operator may desire and/or should be notified, therespective “smart” component and/or device can generate and/or transmitan appropriate signal to the CPU 4 which can then generate and transmita signal to the central processing computer. The central processingcomputer can thereafter generate and/or transmit an appropriate signalto the computer and/or communication device associated with the owner oroperator of the vehicle. In a reverse fashion, a vehicle owner oroperator and/or an agent thereof can access the “smart” component, viathe apparatus and method of the present invention can determine thecondition and/or state of the “smart” component.

In another preferred embodiment, the vehicle equipment system(s) 11 canalso include a vehicle operation data monitoring device which monitorsvehicle operation such as vehicle speed, the status of any of thevehicle systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system, positioningsystem), and/or any of the vehicle equipment systems described herein,direction of travel, attitude of travel, video inside, outside, and/orat, the vehicle, audio inside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, activityinside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, and/or any other electrical,mechanical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic, and/or other system,equipment system, device, component, and/or appliance.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be connected to, and/orlinked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipment systems,subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including, but notlimited to, speedometer, cruise control device, gyroscope, gyrocompass,directional light device(s), light system(s), door lock system(s),attitude measuring device(s), ignition system, braking system,electronic system(s), hydraulic system(s), video recording device(s) orcamera(s), audio recording device(s) or microphone(s), and/or any othersystems, equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliances,described herein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/or monitoring theoperation of same and/or for monitoring activity at the vehicle.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can operate and/or functionin a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flight datarecorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. In addition, thevehicle operation data monitoring device can receive any and/or all ofthe data monitored and transmit same to the any of the herein-describedtransmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150, and/or any of theserver computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/orany other computers and/or communication devices, which can be utilizedto receive this data and/or information. In this manner, the vehicleoperation and/or movement can be monitored by, and/or at, any of theherein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can transmit any and/or allvehicle operation data to a respective transmitter(s), home and/orpersonal computer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), inreal-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any otherappropriate manner. The vehicle operation data monitoring device canalso record and/or store any of the operation data monitored thereby.

Any data and/or information which is received from the vehicle operationdata monitoring device can be stored at any of the herein-describedtransmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150, and/or any of theserver computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/orany other computers and/or communication devices, which can be utilizedto receive this data. The data and/or information which is received fromthe vehicle operation data monitoring device can be stored in anysuitable manner which can typically involve storing same digitally,storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, so that, for example,the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a given time period andoverwriting same, storing same in a looping and/or re-circulatingstorage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilized in conjunctionwith, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/or information isstored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraft cockpit voicerecorders.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be accessed by any ofthe herein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individuals utilizingsame, in order to monitor and/or ascertain vehicle operation, and/orvideo and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, atany time and/or to retrieve and/or to access operating data regardingvehicle operation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audio activityinside, outside, and/or at, the vehicle, which has been recorded and/orstored by the vehicle operation data monitoring device. For example,vehicle operating data and/or information, along with video and/or audioinformation inside, outside, and/or at the vehicle, can be accessesand/or obtained.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be utilized to monitorvehicle operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosis amalfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident,and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle operation data monitoring devicecan be programmed to monitor vehicle operation data and/or to transmitsame to any respective transmitter, home and/or personal computer,computer, central computer, and/or server computer, continuously, atcertain times, and/or under certain conditions, such as a detection bythe CPU 4 and/or by the vehicle operation data monitor.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can also be activatedremotely by any individual via any respective transmitter, home and/orpersonal computer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,and/or user of same. The vehicle operation data monitoring device canalso be activated by a vehicle operator and/or occupant and/or via anyother individual.

The data and/or information obtained from the vehicle operation datamonitoring device can be stored at any of the respective transmitters,home and/or personal computers, computers, central computers, and/orserver computers, for accessing at any time. The data and/or informationcan be stored at the vehicle operation data monitoring device, and/or atany of the herein-described and respective transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, central computers, and/or servercomputers, in a “loop tape” manner and/or digitally in a looping and/ordata overwriting manner so that, for example, only a most recent timeperiod is recorded.

The vehicle operation data monitoring device can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, vehicle operation data at the vehicleand/or from a location remote from the vehicle, in a networkenvironment, thereby facilitating the monitoring and/or the analysis ofvehicle operation data.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is utilizedin conjunction with a marine vessel or vehicle. FIG. 12 illustratesanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theapparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a boat. In FIG. 12,the apparatus is denoted generally by the reference numeral 1200. Whilethe boat described below is a motor-powered boat, any type of boat,including, but not limited to sailboats, may also be utilized inconjunction with the present invention.

In FIG. 12, the components of the apparatus 1200 which are common to theapparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. InFIG. 12, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to the boatignition system 1207, which is located externally from the apparatus1200. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked with the boatignition system 1207 through an ignition system interface 1208 which isalso shown in FIG. 12. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well asreceive signals from, the boat ignition system 1207. In this manner, theCPU 4 and the boat ignition system 1207, may exchange informationbetween each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving anappropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of therequisite data processing routine(s), may issue an electrical, anelectronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including a digitalcommand signal, to the boat ignition system 1207. This electrical,electronic and/or other suitable signal, or digital command signal, maybe one which will disable the boat ignition system 1207 or one whichwill re-enable or reset the boat ignition system 1207. The CPU 4 mayalso interrogate the boat ignition system 1207 and/or receive data fromthe boat ignition system 1207 which is indicative of boat ignitionsystem status (i.e., whether the boat ignition system 1207 is on oroff).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the boat fuel pump system 1209 which is also locatedexternally from the apparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not be connectedand/or linked with the boat fuel pump system 1209 through a fuel pumpsystem interface 1210 which is also shown in FIG. 12. In the case of anelectrical or an electronic fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide anelectrical, an electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, which will disable or re-enable the boat fuel pumpsystem 1209.

In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide anelectrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, which will disable or re-enable an electrical valvesystem, which may be used to control the operation of the mechanicalfuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4 will be capableof issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the boat fuelpump system 1209. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive datafrom the boat fuel pump system 1209 which is indicative of boat fuelpump system status (i.e., whether the boat fuel pump system 1209 is onor off). The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked toan appropriate device (not shown) for controlling the operation of aboat exhaust system.

The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connectedand/or linked to at least one or more of a boat equipment system(s)1211. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 are located externally from theapparatus 1 and may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU 4,via a boat equipment system(s) interface device(s) 1212 which may or maynot be required for each one of the variety or multitude of the boatequipment systems which may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may include a loud siren or alarm,which may be located in the cabin or passenger compartment of the boatand, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as to make it unbearablefor an intruder to remain inside the boat cabin and/or passengercompartment. The boat equipment system 1211 may also include an externalsiren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, which may beutilized to draw attention to the boat. The boat equipment system 1211may also include a horn, which may blare continuously or intermittently,so as to also draw attention to the boat. The boat equipment system(s)1211 can also include “smart” windows which turn opaque and/or darkerdepending upon interior lighting.

The boat external light system(s), which may include the boat headlights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantly illuminated orwhich may blink on and off repeatedly so as to draw attention to theboat, may also be utilized as a boat equipment system 1211. The boatequipment system 1211 may also include a power door or hatch lockingsystem, including electronic and/or electrical dead bolt lockingdevices, for securing the boat cabin, cockpit or passenger compartmentso as to prevent an entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. In addition,the boat equipment system(s) 1211 may include an engine compartmentlocking device, such as an electrical and/or mechanical locking device,for preventing unauthorized access into the boat engine compartment, soas to prevent any tampering with the apparatus 1 or with other systemsand/or components of the boat.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include any one or more ofthe widely known boat anti-theft systems and may also include a boatrecovery system or device, including a homing and/or a tracking system,each of which system(s) may be activated by the apparatus 1200 of thepresent invention. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also includecommunication devices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions,navigational devices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment,pumping devices for pumping water out of the boat, radar devices andequipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, sonar devicesand/or equipment, and any electrical, electronic and/or otherwiseactivated appliances and/or equipment which may be utilized on a boat.Appliances may include household appliances such as refrigerators,stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc.The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include systems for detectingfailures in any of the above or any other equipment systems and reportsuch failures to the user or operator whether he or she is operating theboat or is not onboard the boat and/or for reporting such failures to acentral office.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include video recordingand/or photographing equipment, which may include video recordingdevice(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction withpersonal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices, or astill picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s) maybe digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the boat such as, for example, in the cabin,cockpit, and/or passenger compartment of the boat so that the user oroperator, or any other authorized individual, may observe and/orphotograph the operator of the boat, or the occupants and/or cargo ofthe boat. The video recording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on theboat exterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wideangles for maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The video device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a trackor other guiding device or element so that the respective videorecording device or camera can be moved along the boat interior orexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/orlive. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equippedwith a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s),and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored videoand/or picture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In thismanner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s)transmissions may be provided.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include audio recordingequipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location on theinterior and/or exterior of the boat so that the user or operator, orany other authorized individual, may hear what is transpiring, and/orwhat has transpired, inside and/or outside the boat. The audio recordingdevice(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. The audio device(s) ormicrophone(s) can be moveable along a track or other guiding device orelement so that the respective audio recording device or microphone canbe moved along the boat interior or exterior. The audio recordingdevice(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded audio in real timeand/or live. The audio recording device(s) may also be equipped with astorage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and a transmitter ortransceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a later time. In thismanner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissions may beprovided.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include an intercom system ordevice or telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise for providing ameans by which to allow the user or operator, or other authorizedoperator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupants of the boat.The boat equipment system 1211 can also include video conferencingdevices and/or equipment for enabling the boat occupants and/orindividuals inside the boat, outside the boat, and/or in the vicinity ofthe boat, to engage in and/or partake in video conferences and/or videoconferencing with others via a communication network.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include the boat battery orbatteries, boat fuel cell or fuel cells, battery monitoring equipment,battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cell fuel supply, fuel celltemperature measuring device, fuel cell by-product (i.e. water or otherby-product, heat, etc.) measuring device, fuel cell output measuringdevice (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter, current measure, power meter, etc.), aboat rudder, a rudder control and/or monitoring device, a depth soundingdevice and/or depth sounding control and/or monitoring device, anavigation system, a navigation control and/or monitoring system, anautomatic pilot, a radar system, a sonar system, boat data recorder, aboat data recorder control and/or monitoring device, a boat cockpitvoice recorder, a boat cockpit voice recorder control and/or monitoringdevice, an emergency oxygen control and/or monitoring device, anemergency oxygen deployment detection device, an air bag deploymentdevice, an air bag deployment detection device, a boat dashboard orcontrol console display device, a gyroscope for measuring boat pitch,roll, yaw, or attitude, a gyrocompass for measuring direction of travel,a boat data recorder and/or a boat operation data recorder.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include monitoring device(s)for reading and/or monitoring the status and/or condition of any of theboat fuel supply, water and/or coolant supply, electrical generatorand/or alternator operation, battery charge level, fuel cell electricalpower output, fuel cell fuel supply level, fuel cell operatingtemperature, fuel cell by-product output level, and/or engine or motortemperature level, marine control system and/or any other boat operationand/or system function and/or boat equipment system(s) operating statusand/or condition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment,has associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver systemfor transmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigationaldevices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devicesand equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a boat or marine vessel. Appliancesmay include household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, airconditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The boatequipment system(s) 1211 may also include electrical and/orelectronically controlled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors,windows, and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations and/or in, and/or anysystems, devices, and/or components of, the boat.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include transponders,communication transponders, navigation transponders, and/or beacons.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include locks for preventinguse and/or access to various locations, systems, devices, and/orcomponents of the boat. The boat equipment systems may also includehydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment, includingwinches, etc., which may be remotely activated as described herein. Theboat equipment system(s) 1211 may also include boat communicationdevices including, but not limited to radios, televisions andentertainment devices, two-way radios, cellular telephones andequipment, etc. The boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also includesystems for detecting failures in any of the above, or any other,equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user or operatorwhether he or she is operating the boat or is not in the boat and/or forreporting such failures to a central office.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include the boat commandcomputer which is utilized to control and/or to the various electronic,electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical systems, components,devices, of the boat. The command computer can control and monitor anyof the systems, components, and/or devices, of the boat, including, butnot limited to, the ignition system, the fuel system, fuel injectionsystem, electrical systems for ignition, lights, horn, door locks,exhaust system, windows, fuel pump, oil pump, engine timing device,battery, fuel cells, fuel supply device, video recording equipment,audio recording equipment, boat integrated positioning device, and/orany other system, device, or component which can be controlled and/ormonitored by the command computer.

The command computer can transmit control signals and/or status requestsignals to any of the herein-described boat systems, components and/ordevices so as to respectively control and/or monitor the operatingstatus and/or condition of the respective system, component and/ordevice. The command computer can also receive signals from therespective systems, devices and/or components, with said signalscontaining data and/or information concerning the operating status,operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems, devicesand/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of theboat systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlled and/ormonitored with the command computer.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include wear and/or usageindicators and/or detection devices which can be connected with eitherthe command computer and/or the central processing computer and whichcan be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any of theherein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 can also include automatic controldevices for controlling and/or monitoring boat systems and/or devicesfor boat movement and/or motion, such as, but not limited to, boat motorand/or transmission system for controlling boat forward and/or reversedirection of movement, boat acceleration system for controlling speed ofmovement, boat rudder system and/or boat steering system, boat pumpsystem, and/or any other system and/or component for controlling and/orfor effecting remote-control over the movement, motion and/or operationof the boat.

In the case of commercial equipment, industrial equipment, drillingequipment, mining equipment, excavating equipment, and/or othercommercial equipment, the boat equipment system(s) 1211 may also includeloading and/or unloading mechanisms, cutting mechanisms, bailingmechanisms, winches and any and all of the various systems and devicesutilized in conjunction with these boats and/or equipment.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the boat equipment systemor systems 1211, and their associated interface devices 1212, may beoptional and may further include any other systems and/or devices whichmay, or are, utilized in and/or in conjunction with any of the abovenoted or envisioned vehicles. The boat equipment system(s) 1211,especially when the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with lawenforcement and/or military vehicles, may also include guns and/orweapon systems and/or self defense systems and electronic warfaresystems.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the boat equipmentsystem(s) 1211, and their associated interface devices 1212, may beoptional. Further, wireless devices may be utilized for any of thedevices utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1200.

The boat equipment system(s) 1211 receives signals from the CPU 4, whichsignals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whichever thecase may be, the respective boat equipment system(s) which are utilizedin conjunction with the apparatus 1200. The boat equipment system(s)1211 may also include any other suitable boat system or equipmentfeature which may be utilized to draw attention to the boat and/or insome other way to impede boat theft. It should be noted that any of theinterface devices 1208, 1210 and 1212 may include any of the requisiteinterfacing circuitry which may be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 controlover the respective systems which may be utilized.

In another preferred embodiment, the boat equipment system(s) 1211 canalso include a boat operation data monitoring device which monitors boatoperation such as boat speed, the status of any of the boat systems(i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system, positioning system), and/or anyof the boat equipment systems described herein, direction of travel,attitude of travel, video inside, outside, and/or at, the boat, audioinside, outside, and/or at, the boat, activity inside, outside, and/orat, the boat, and/or any other electrical, mechanical,electromechanical, hydraulic, and/or other system, equipment system,device, component, and/or appliance.

The boat operation data monitoring device can be connected to, and/orlinked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipment systems,subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including, but notlimited to, speedometer, cruise control device, rudder, gyroscope,gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s), door locksystem(s), depth sounding measurement devices, attitude measuringdevice(s), ignition system, braking system, electronic system(s),hydraulic system(s), video recording device(s) or camera(s), audiorecording device(s) or microphone(s), and/or any other systems,equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliances, describedherein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/or monitoring the operationof same and/or for monitoring activity at the boat.

The boat operation data monitoring device can operate and/or function ina manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flight datarecorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. In addition, theboat operation data monitoring device can receive any and/or all of thedata monitored and transmit same to the any of the herein-describedtransmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150, and/or any of theserver computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/orany other computers and/or communication devices, which can be utilizedto receive this data and/or information. In this manner, the boatoperation and/or movement can be monitored by, and/or at, any of theherein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers.

The boat operation data monitoring device can transmit any and/or allboat operation data to a respective transmitter(s), home and/or personalcomputer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), in real-time, live,in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any other appropriate manner. Theboat operation data monitoring device can also record and/or store anyof the operation data monitored thereby.

Any data and/or information which is received from the boat operationdata monitoring device can be stored at any of the herein-describedtransmitters 2, and/or home and/or personal computers 150, and/or any ofthe server computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952,and/or any other computers and/or communication devices, which can beutilized to receive this data. The data and/or information which isreceived from the boat operation data monitoring device can be stored inany suitable manner which can typically involve storing same digitally,storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, so that, for example,the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a given time period andoverwriting same, storing same in a looping and/or re-circulatingstorage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilized in conjunctionwith, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/or information isstored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraft cockpit voicerecorders.

The boat operation data monitoring device can be accessed by any of theherein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individuals utilizingsame, in order to monitor and/or ascertain boat operation, and/or videoand/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, the boat, at any timeand/or to retrieve and/or to access operating data regarding boatoperation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audio activity inside,outside, and/or at, the boat, which has been recorded and/or stored bythe boat operation data monitoring device. For example, boat operatingdata and/or information, along with video and/or audio informationinside, outside, and/or at the boat, can be accesses and/or obtained.

The boat operation data monitoring device can be utilized to monitorboat operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosis a malfunctionor other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident, and/or can beutilized for any other purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the boat operation data monitoring device canbe programmed to monitor boat operation data and/or to transmit same toany respective transmitter, home and/or personal computer, computer,central computer, and/or server computer, continuously, at certaintimes, and/or under certain conditions, such as a detection by the CPU 4and/or by the boat operation data monitor.

The boat operation data monitoring device can also be activated remotelyby any individual via any respective transmitter, home and/or personalcomputer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer, and/oruser of same. The boat operation data monitoring device can also beactivated by a boat operator and/or occupant and/or via any otherindividual.

The data and/or information obtained from the boat operation datamonitoring device can be stored at any of the respective transmitters,home and/or personal computers, computers, central computers, and/orserver computers, for accessing at any time. The data and/or informationcan be stored at the boat operation data monitoring device, and/or atany of the herein-described and respective transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, central computers, and/or servercomputers, in a “loop tape” manner and/or digitally in a looping and/ordata overwriting manner so that, for example, only a most recent timeperiod is recorded.

The boat operation data monitoring device can be utilized in conjunctionwith the present invention so as to obtain, to record, and/or access,and/or analyze, boat operation data at the boat and/or from a locationremote from the boat, in a network environment, thereby facilitating themonitoring and/or the analysis of boat operation data.

The apparatus 1200 also includes a position and locating device 13 whichcan be utilized in order to determine the position and/or the locationof the boat. The position and locating device 13 can be utilized so asto determine the position of the boat anywhere in the world and providefor the transmission of boat position and/or location data to anyappropriate system receiver so that the boat may be located and/ortracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment, the position andlocating device 13 includes and utilizes a global positioning device andan associated transmitter for transmitting position and/or location datato the authorized user or operator and/or to an authorized office oragency authorized to receive and/or to monitor such data transmissions.

The apparatus 1200 of FIG. 12 also includes a position and locatingsystem receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user oroperator and/or by the authorized office or agency, for receiving and/orprocessing the data which is transmitted from the position and locatingdevice 13 as described above. The apparatus of may also comprise a userinterface device (not shown).

The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 12 may beutilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/or analogousmanner as described above with regards to the embodiments of FIGS. 1–11Band/or consistent with the description of the various embodiments andfeatures of the present invention as described herein. The apparatus andmethod of the present invention may also provide for the immediate,and/or for the deferred, control, activation, deactivation, programming,monitoring and/or security of any one or more of the boat and/or marinevessel or vehicle systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in thesame, similar and/or analogous manner as described above with its use inconjunction with vehicles and/or motor vehicles.

Although the present invention has been hereinabove described as beingutilized in conjunction with a boat, it is noted that the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with a ship, cruise ship, orany other boat, manned or unmanned, regardless of size, shape or form,private, commercial and/or military. The boat equipment systems may alsoinclude guns and/or weapon systems and/or self-defense systems and/orelectronic warfare systems. The present invention may also be utilizedin conjunction with submersible vehicles such as submarines.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is utilizedin conjunction with an aircraft, airplane, jet, or helicopter. FIG. 13illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention,wherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with anairplane. The apparatus of FIG. 13 is denoted generally by the referencenumeral 1300. In FIG. 13, the components of the apparatus which arecommon to the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the same referencenumerals. In FIG. 13, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linkedto the airplane ignition system 1307, which is located externally fromthe apparatus 1300. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linkedwith the airplane ignition system 1307 through an ignition systeminterface 1308 which is also shown in FIG. 13.

The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, theairplane ignition system 1307. In this manner, the CPU 4 and theairplane ignition system 1307, may exchange information between eachother. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriate signalfrom the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisite dataprocessing routine, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/or anyother suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to theairplane ignition system 1307. This electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, or digital command signal, may be one which willdisable the airplane ignition system 1307 or one which will re-enable orreset the airplane ignition system 7. The CPU 4 may also interrogate theairplane ignition system 1307 and/or receive data from the airplaneignition system 1307 which is indicative of ignition system status(i.e., whether the airplane ignition system 1307 is on or off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the airplane fuel pump or supply system 1309 which isalso located externally from the apparatus 1300. The CPU 4 may or maynot be connected and/or linked with the airplane fuel pump system 1309through a fuel pump system interface 1310 which is also shown in FIG.13. In the case of an electrical or an electronic fuel pump system, theCPU 4 may provide an electrical, an electronic, and/or other suitablesignal, including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable theairplane fuel pump or supply system 1309.

In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide anelectrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, which will disable or re-enable an electrical valvesystem, which may be used to control the operation of the mechanicalfuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4 will be capableof issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the airplane fuelpump system 1309. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive datafrom the airplane fuel pump or supply system 1309 which is indicative ofairplane fuel pump system status (i.e., whether the airplane fuel pumpsystem 1309 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also be electrically connectedand/or linked to an appropriate device (not shown) for controlling theoperation of an airplane exhaust system.

The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connectedto at least one or more of an airplane equipment system(s) 1311. Theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 are located externally from theapparatus 1300 and may or may not be connected to the CPU 4, via anairplane equipment system(s) interface device(s) 1312 which may or maynot be required for each one of the variety or multitude of the airplaneequipment systems which may be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 1300.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may include a loud siren or alarm,which may be located in the cabin, passenger compartment and/or cockpitof the airplane and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as tomake it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside the airplane cabin,passenger compartment and/or cockpit. The airplane equipment system(s)1311 may also include an external siren or alarm, which may produce aloud piercing sound, which may be utilized to draw attention to theairplane. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include a horn,which may blare continuously or intermittently, so as to also drawattention to the airplane. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 canalso include “smart” windows which turn opaque and/or darker dependingupon interior lighting.

The airplane external light system(s), which may include the airplanehead lights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantlyilluminated or which may blink on and off repeatedly so as to drawattention to the airplane, may also be utilized as a airplane equipmentsystem 1311. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include apower door or hatch locking system or device, for securing the airplanecabin, passenger compartment and/or cockpit so as to prevent anunauthorized entry thereunto or an exit therefrom. In addition, theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 may include a locking system, such asa mechanical locking system, for preventing an unauthorized access intothe airplane engine compartment so as to prevent tampering with theapparatus 1300 or with other systems and/or components of the airplane.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include any one or moreof the widely known airplane anti-theft systems and may also include anairplane recovery system or device, including a homing and/or a trackingsystem, each of which system(s) may be activated by the apparatus 1300of the present invention. The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may alsoinclude landing gear, cabin and/or interior pressurization systems,devices, and/or cabin pressurization control and/or monitoring systemsand/or devices, communication devices, such as two-way radios, radios,televisions, navigational devices and/or equipment, fire extinguishingequipment, radar devices and equipment, emergency and/or distress signalequipment, sonar devices and/or equipment, and any electrical,electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/or equipment whichmay be utilized on an airplane. Appliances may include householdappliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, ovens,microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The airplane equipment system(s)1311 may also include systems for detecting failures in any of the aboveor any other equipment systems and report such failures to the user oroperator whether he or she is operating the airplane or is not onboardthe airplane and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include video recordingand/or photographing equipment, which may include video recordingdevice(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction withpersonal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices, or astill picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s) maybe digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the airplane such as, for example, in thedashboard, cabin, cockpit, and/or passenger compartment of the airplaneso that the user or operator, or any other authorized individual, mayobserve and/or photograph the operator of the airplane, or the occupantsand/or cargo of the airplane. The video recording(s) or camera(s) mayalso be located on the airplane exterior. The video recording device(s)or camera(s) may have wide angles for maximum angular viewing and mayalso be pivotable and/or movable. The video device(s) or camera(s) canbe moveable along a track or other guiding device or element so that therespective video recording device or camera can be moved along theairplane interior or exterior. The video recording device(s) orcamera(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded video and/or thepicture(s) in real time and/or live. The video recording device(s) orcamera(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium, for storing therecorded video and/or picture(s), and a transmitter or transceiver fortransmitting the stored video and/or picture(s) to the user or operatorat a later time. In this manner, real-time, as well as deferred, videoand/or picture(s) transmissions may be provided.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include audio recordingequipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location on theinterior and/or exterior of the airplane so that the user or operator,or any other authorized individual, may hear what is transpiring, and/orwhat has transpired, inside and/or outside the airplane. The audiorecording device(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. The audiodevice(s) or microphone(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective audio recording deviceor microphone can be moved along the airplane interior or exterior. Theaudio recording device(s) may record and/or transmit the recorded audioin real time and/or live. The audio recording device(s) may also beequipped with a storage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a latertime. In this manner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissionsmay be provided.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include an intercomsystem or device or telephone, cellular, digital, or otherwise forproviding a means by which to allow the user or operator, or otherauthorized operator, to communicate with the operator and/or occupantsof the airplane. The airplane equipment system 1311 can also includevideo conferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling the airplaneoccupants and/or individuals inside the airplane, outside the airplane,and/or in the vicinity of the airplane, to engage in and/or partake invideo conferences and/or video conferencing with others via acommunication network.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include the airplanebattery or batteries, airplane fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.), an airplane aileron control and/ormonitoring device, a rudder control and/or monitoring device, anhorizontal stabilizer control and/or monitoring device, a verticalstabilizer control and/or monitoring device, an altimeter, an emergencylanding parachute control and/or monitoring device, an emergencyparachute deployment control and/or deployment detection device, anavigation system, a navigation control and/or monitoring system, anautomatic pilot, a radar system, a flight data recorder, a flight datarecorder control and/or monitoring device, a cockpit voice recorder, acockpit voice recorder control and/or monitoring device, a wing flapcontrol and/or monitoring device, an emergency oxygen control and/ormonitoring device, an emergency oxygen deployment detection device, anair bag deployment device, an air bag deployment detection device, anairplane cockpit or control console display device, a gyroscope formeasuring airplane pitch, roll, yaw, or attitude, a gyrocompass formeasuring direction of travel, an airplane data recorder and/or anairplane operation data recorder.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the airplane fuel supply, waterand/or coolant supply, electrical generator and/or alternator operation,battery charge level, fuel cell electrical power output, fuel cell fuelsupply level, fuel cell operating temperature, fuel cell by-productoutput level, and/or engine or motor temperature level, airplane flightcontrol systems and/or any other airplane operation and/or systemfunction and/or airplane equipment system(s) operating status and/orcondition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigationaldevices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devicesand equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in an airplane or aircraft. Appliancesmay include household appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, airconditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. Theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include electrical and/orelectronically controlled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors,windows, and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/orany systems, devices, and/or components of, the airplane.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include transponders,communication transponders, navigation transponders, and/or beacons.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include locks forpreventing use and/or access to various locations, systems, devices,and/or components of the airplane. The airplane equipment systems mayalso include hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or otherequipment, including hydraulic control devices and/or control systems,winches, etc, which may be remotely activated as described herein. Theairplane equipment system(s) 1311 may also include airplanecommunication devices including, but not limited to radios, televisionsand entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellular telephones andequipment, etc. The equipment system(s) 1311 may also include systemsfor detecting failures in any of the above, or any other, equipmentsystems and report such failure(s) to the user or operator whether he orshe is operating the airplane or is not in the airplane and/or forreporting such failures to a central office.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include the airplanecommand computer which is utilized to control and/or to the variouselectronic, electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical systems,components, devices, of the airplane. The command computer can controland monitor any of the systems, components, and/or devices, of theairplane, including, but not limited to, the automatic pilot system,radar system, lift control system, control surface system, the ignitionsystem, engine and/or thrusting system, braking system, the fuel system,fuel injection system, landing gear, fuel dumping system, electricalsystems for ignition, lights, horn, door locks, exhaust system, windows,fuel pump, oil pump, engine timing device, battery, fuel cells, fuelsupply device, video recording equipment, audio recording equipment,airplane integrated positioning device, and/or any other system, device,or component which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

The command computer can transmit control signals and/or status requestsignals to any of the herein-described airplane systems, componentsand/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitor theoperating status and/or condition of the respective system, componentand/or device. The command computer can also receive signals from therespective systems, devices and/or components, with said signalscontaining data and/or information concerning the operating status,operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems, devicesand/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of theairplane systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlledand/or monitored with the command computer.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include wear and/or usageindicators and/or detection devices which can be connected with eitherthe command computer and/or the central processing computer and whichcan be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any of theherein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 can also include automatic controldevices for controlling and/or monitoring airplane systems and/ordevices for airplane take-off, flight, normal cruising, automatic pilotcruising, landing, airplane movement and/or motion, such as, but notlimited to, airplane takeoff, thrust, engine or propeller system,forward thrust system for controlling airplane forward directionmovement, airplane acceleration system for controlling speed ofmovement, airplane tail, wings, rudder, and/or other control surfacesystems and/or devices, airplane steering system, airplane brakingsystem, airplane reverse thrust system, landing gear, airplane pumpsystem, airplane turning and/or banking systems, and/or any other systemand/or component for controlling and/or for effecting remote-controlover the movement, motion and/or operation of the airplane.

In the case of commercial equipment, industrial equipment, the airplaneequipment system(s) 1311 may also include loading and/or unloadingmechanisms, winches, etc., and any and/or all of the various systems anddevices utilized in conjunction with these airplanes and/or equipment.

In another preferred embodiment, the airplane equipment system(s) 1311can also include a airplane operation data monitoring device whichmonitors airplane operation such as airplane speed, the status of any ofthe airplane systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system,positioning system), and/or any of the airplane equipment systemsdescribed herein, direction of travel, attitude of travel, video inside,outside, and/or at, the airplane, audio inside, outside, and/or at, theairplane, activity inside, outside, and/or at, the airplane, and/or anyother electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and/or othersystem, equipment system, device, component, and/or appliance.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can be connected to,and/or linked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including,but not limited to, speedometer, cruise control device, auto pilot,control surfaces, horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, cabinpressure control, landing gear, ailerons, altimeter, navigation system,emergency parachute, emergency landing equipment, emergency evacuationequipment, data display, braking system, wing flaps, rudder, gyroscope,gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s), door locksystem(s), depth sounding measurement devices, attitude measuringdevice(s), ignition system, braking system, electronic system(s),hydraulic system(s), video recording device(s) or camera(s), audiorecording device(s) or microphone(s), and/or any other systems,equipment systems, devices, components, and/or appliances, describedherein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/or monitoring the operationof same and/or for monitoring activity at the airplane.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can operate and/orfunction in a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flightdata recorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. Inaddition, the airplane operation data monitoring device can receive anyand/or all of the data monitored and transmit same to the any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data and/or information. In thismanner, the airplane operation and/or movement can be monitored by,and/or at, any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, and/or server computers.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can transmit any and/orall airplane operation data to a respective transmitter(s), home and/orpersonal computer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), inreal-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any otherappropriate manner. The airplane operation data monitoring device canalso record and/or store any of the operation data monitored thereby.

Any data and/or information which is received from the airplaneoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data. The data and/or informationwhich is received from the airplane operation data monitoring device canbe stored in any suitable manner which can typically involve storingsame digitally, storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, sothat, for example, the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a giventime period and overwriting same, storing same in a looping and/orre-circulating storage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilizedin conjunction with, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/orinformation is stored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraftcockpit voice recorders.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can be accessed by any ofthe herein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individuals utilizingsame, in order to monitor and/or ascertain airplane operation, and/orvideo and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, the airplane, atany time and/or to retrieve and/or to access operating data regardingairplane operation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audio activityinside, outside, and/or at, the airplane, which has been recorded and/orstored by the airplane operation data monitoring device. For example,airplane operating data and/or information, along with video and/oraudio information inside, outside, and/or at the airplane, can beaccesses and/or obtained.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can be utilized to monitorairplane operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosis amalfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident,and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the airplane operation data monitoring devicecan be programmed to monitor airplane operation data and/or to transmitsame to any respective transmitter, home and/or personal computer,computer, central computer, and/or server computer, continuously, atcertain times, and/or under certain conditions, such as a detection bythe CPU 4 and/or by the airplane operation data monitor.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can also be activatedremotely by any individual via any respective transmitter, home and/orpersonal computer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,and/or user of same. The airplane operation data monitoring device canalso be activated by a airplane operator and/or occupant and/or via anyother individual.

The data and/or information obtained from the airplane operation datamonitoring device can be stored at any of the respective transmitters,home and/or personal computers, computers, central computers, and/orserver computers for accessing at any time. The data and/or informationcan be stored at the airplane operation data monitoring device, and/orat any of the herein-described and respective transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, central computers, and/or servercomputers, in a “loop tape” manner and/or digitally in a looping and/ordata overwriting manner so that, for example, only a most recent timeperiod is recorded.

The airplane operation data monitoring device can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, airplane operation data at the airplaneand/or from a location remote from the airplane, in a networkenvironment, thereby facilitating the monitoring and/or the analysis ofairplane operation data.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the airplane equipmentsystem(s) 1311, and their associated interface devices 1312, may beoptional. Further, as described above, wireless devices may be utilized.

The airplane equipment system(s) 1311 receives signals from the CPU 4,which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whicheverthe case may be, the respective airplane equipment system(s) which areutilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1300. The airplane equipmentsystem(s) 1311 may also include any other suitable airplane system orequipment feature which may be utilized to draw attention to theairplane and/or in some other way to impede the airplane theft. Itshould be noted that any of the interface devices 1308, 1310 and 1312may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitry which may benecessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systems whichmay be utilized.

The apparatus 1300 also includes a position and locating device 13 whichcan be utilized in order to determine the position and/or the locationof the airplane. The position and locating device 13 can be utilized soas to determine the position of the airplane anywhere in the world andprovide for the transmission of airplane position and/or location datato any appropriate system receiver so that the airplane may be locatedand/or tracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment, the positionand locating device 13 includes and utilizes a global positioning deviceand an associated transmitter for transmitting position and/or locationdata to the authorized user or operator and/or to an authorized officeor agency authorized to receive and/or to monitor such datatransmissions.

The apparatus 1300 also includes a position and locating system receiver14, which may be employed by the authorized user or operator and/or bythe authorized office or agency, for receiving and/or processing thedata which is transmitted from the position and locating device 13 aswill be described above. The apparatus 1 may also comprise a userinterface device (not shown).

The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 13 may beutilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/or analogousmanner as described above with regards to the embodiments of FIGS. 1–12and/or consistent with the description of the various embodiments andfeatures of the present invention as described herein.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may also provide forthe immediate, and/or for the deferred, control, activation,deactivation, programming, monitoring and/or security of any one or moreof the airplane systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in thesame, similar and/or analogous manner as described herein.

Although the present invention has been described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with an airplane, it is noted that the presentinvention may be utilized in conjunction with any aircraft, includingairplanes, jets, gliders, spacecraft, space shuttles, satellites, mannedor unmanned, regardless of size, shape or form, private, commercialand/or military. The airplane equipment systems may also include gunsand/or weapon systems and/or self-defense systems and/or electronicwarfare systems.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is utilizedin conjunction with a snowmobile, jetski or recreational vehicle. FIG.14 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present inventionwherein the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with a snowmobile. Theapparatus of FIG. 14 is denoted generally by the reference numeral 1400.In FIG. 14, the components of the apparatus 1400 which are common to theapparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. InFIG. 14, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to thesnowmobile ignition system 1407, which is located externally from theapparatus 1. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked withthe snowmobile ignition system 1407 through an ignition system interface1408 which is also shown in FIG. 14.

The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, thesnowmobile ignition system 1407. In this manner, the CPU 4 and thesnowmobile ignition system 1407, may exchange information between eachother. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriate signalfrom the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisite dataprocessing routine, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/or anyother suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to thesnowmobile ignition system 1407. This electrical, electronic and/orother suitable signal, or digital command signal, may be one which willdisable the snowmobile ignition system 1407 or one which will re-enableor reset the snowmobile ignition system 1407. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate the snowmobile ignition system 1407 and/or receive data fromthe snowmobile ignition system 1407 which is indicative of ignitionsystem status (i.e., whether the snowmobile ignition system 1407 is onor off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the snowmobile fuel pump or supply system 1409 which isalso located externally from the apparatus 1400. The CPU 4 may or maynot be connected and/or linked with the snowmobile fuel pump system 1409through a fuel pump system interface 1410 which is also shown in FIG.14. In the case of an electrical or an electronic fuel pump system, theCPU 4 may provide an electrical, an electronic, and/or other suitablesignal, including a digital signal, which will disable or re-enable thesnowmobile fuel pump system 1409.

In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the CPU 4 may provide anelectrical, electronic, and/or other suitable signal, including adigital signal, which will disable or re-enable an electrical valvesystem, which may be used to control the operation of the mechanicalfuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the CPU 4 will be capableof issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal,including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the snowmobilefuel pump system 1409. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receivedata from the snowmobile fuel pump system 1409 which is indicative ofsnowmobile fuel pump system status (i.e., whether the snowmobile fuelpump system 1409 is on or off). The CPU 4 may also be electricallyconnected and/or linked to an appropriate device (not shown) forcontrolling the operation of a snowmobile exhaust system.

The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connectedand/or linked to at least one or more of a snowmobile equipment systemor system(s) 1411. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 are locatedexternally from the apparatus 1400 and may or may not be connected tothe CPU 4, via a snowmobile equipment system interface 1412 which may ormay not be required for each one of the variety or multitude of thesnowmobile equipment systems which may be utilized in conjunction withthe apparatus.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may include a loud siren oralarm, which may be located in, or on, the passenger compartment of thesnowmobile and, which may produce a loud piercing sound so as to make itunbearable for an intruder to remain inside or on the snowmobile. Thesnowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include an external sirenor alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, which may be utilizedto draw attention to the snowmobile. The snowmobile equipment system(s)1411 may also include a horn, which may blare continuously orintermittently, so as to also draw attention to the snowmobile. Thesnowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include “smart” windowswhich turn opaque and/or darker depending upon interior lighting.

The snowmobile light system(s), which may include the snowmobile headlights, tail lights or flashers, which may be constantly illuminated orwhich may blink on and off repeatedly so as to draw attention to thesnowmobile, may also be utilized as a snowmobile equipment system 1411.The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include a power lockingsystems and/or devices as appropriate as well as steering mechanismlocking devices, locking devices for preventing unauthorized access intoor onto the snowmobile, snowmobile track locking devices for preventingmovement of the snowmobile and/or locking devices for preventingunauthorized access to the snowmobile engine, so as to prevent anytampering with the apparatus or with other systems and/or components ofthe snowmobile.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include any one or moreof the known snowmobile anti-theft systems and may also include asnowmobile recovery system or device, including a homing and/or atracking system, each of which system(s) may be activated by theapparatus of the present invention. The snowmobile equipment system(s)1411 may include any other equipment systems, including any and all ofthe above-noted equipment systems described herein for use inconjunction with vehicles, boats and airplanes, including video and/oraudio recording equipment and/or intercom equipment and/or any of theherein-described communications systems and/or devices.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may include video recordingand/or photographing equipment, which may include video recordingdevice(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction withpersonal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices, or astill picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s) maybe digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the user or operator may exercisecontrol over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the snowmobile such as, for example, in thedashboard, cabin, cockpit, and/or passenger compartment of thesnowmobile so that the user or operator, or any other authorizedindividual, may observe and/or photograph the operator of thesnowmobile, or the occupants and/or cargo of the snowmobile. The videorecording(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the snowmobileexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wideangles for maximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/ormovable. The video device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a trackor other guiding device or element so that the respective videorecording device or camera can be moved along the snowmobile interior orexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/orlive. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equippedwith a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s),and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored videoand/or picture(s) to the user or operator at a later time. In thismanner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s)transmissions may be provided.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include audio recordingequipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theuser or operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control over theaudio recording device(s).

The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location on theinterior and/or exterior of the snowmobile so that the user or operator,or any other authorized individual, may hear what is transpiring, and/orwhat has transpired, inside and/or outside the snowmobile. The audiorecording device(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. The audiodevice(s) or microphone(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective audio recording deviceor microphone can be moved along the snowmobile interior or exterior.The audio recording device(s) may record and/or transmit the recordedaudio in real time and/or live. The audio recording device(s) may alsobe equipped with a storage medium, for storing the recorded audio, and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored audio at a latertime. In this manner, real-time as well as deferred audio transmissionsmay be provided.

The snowmobile equipment system 1311 can also include video conferencingdevices and/or equipment for enabling the snowmobile occupants and/orusers, individuals on the snowmobile, inside or outside the snowmobile,and/or in the vicinity of the snowmobile, to engage in and/or partake invideo conferences and/or video conferencing with others via acommunication network.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include the snowmobilebattery or batteries, snowmobile fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.), an air bag deployment device, anair bag deployment detection device, a dashboard display device, agyroscope for measuring snowmobile pitch, roll, yaw, or attitude, agyrocompass for measuring direction of travel, a data recorder and/or anoperation data recorder, a navigation system, a navigation controland/or monitoring system, an automatic pilot, a voice recorder, a voicerecorder control and/or monitoring device, and/or a control consoledisplay device. The equipment system 1411 can also include any of thedevices and/or systems described herein as being utilized with vehicles,boats, and/or airplanes.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include monitoringdevice(s) for reading and/or monitoring the snowmobile fuel supply,water and/or coolant supply, electrical generator and/or alternatoroperation, battery charge level, fuel cell electrical power output, fuelcell fuel supply level, fuel cell operating temperature, fuel cellby-product output level, and/or engine or motor temperature level,snowmobile control system and/or any other snowmobile operation and/orsystem function and/or snowmobile equipment system(s) operating statusand/or condition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment,has associated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver systemfor transmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, navigationaldevices and/or equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, radar devicesand equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a snowmobile. Appliances may includehousehold appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners,ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The snowmobile equipmentsystem(s) 1411 may also include electrical and/or electronicallycontrolled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors, windows, hood,trunk and/or in conjunction with any other opening components and/orcomponents for gaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/orany systems, devices, and/or components of, the snowmobile.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include transponders,communication transponders, navigation transponders, and/or beacons.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may also include a wheel and/orbrake locking device or mechanism. The snowmobile equipment systems mayalso include hydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or otherequipment, including winches, etc, which may be remotely activated asdescribed herein. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 may alsoinclude snowmobile communication devices including, but not limited toradios, televisions and entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellulartelephones and equipment, etc. The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411may also include systems for detecting failures in any of the above, orany other, equipment systems and report such failure(s) to the user oroperator whether he or she is operating the snowmobile or is not in thesnowmobile and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include the snowmobilecommand computer which is utilized to control and/or to the variouselectronic, electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical systems,components, devices, of the snowmobile. The command computer can controland monitor any of the systems, components, and/or devices, of thesnowmobile, including, but not limited to, the ignition system, the fuelsystem, fuel injection system, electrical systems for ignition, lights,horn, door locks, exhaust system, windows, fuel pump, oil pump, enginetiming device, battery, fuel cells, fuel supply device, video recordingequipment, audio recording equipment, snowmobile integrated positioningdevice, tire pressure indicator, and/or any other system, device, orcomponent which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

The command computer can transmit control signals and/or status requestsignals to any of the herein-described snowmobile systems, componentsand/or devices so as to respectively control and/or monitor theoperating status and/or condition of the respective system, componentand/or device. The command computer can also receive signals from therespective systems, devices and/or components, with said signalscontaining data and/or information concerning the operating status,operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems, devicesand/or components. The command computer can be utilized so as tocontrol, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any of thesnowmobile systems, components, and/or devices, which are controlledand/or monitored with the command computer.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include wear and/orusage indicators and/or detection devices which can be connected witheither the command computer and/or the central processing computer andwhich can be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any ofthe herein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 can also include automaticcontrol devices for controlling and/or monitoring snowmobile systemsand/or devices for snowmobile movement and/or motion, such as, but notlimited to, snowmobile transmission system for controlling snowmobileforward and/or reverse direction of movement, snowmobile accelerationsystem for controlling speed of movement, snowmobile braking system forcontrolling snowmobile braking, snowmobile steering system for steeringthe snowmobile, and/or any other system and/or component for controllingand/or for effecting remote-control over the movement and/or the motionof the snowmobile.

In another preferred embodiment, the snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411can also include a snowmobile operation data monitoring device whichmonitors snowmobile operation such as snowmobile speed, the status ofany of the snowmobile systems (i.e. ignition system, fuel pump system,positioning system), and/or any of the snowmobile equipment systemsdescribed herein, direction of travel, attitude of travel, video inside,outside, and/or at, the snowmobile, audio inside, outside, and/or at,the snowmobile, activity inside, outside, and/or at, the snowmobile,and/or any other electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic,and/or other system, equipment system, device, component, and/orappliance.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be connected to,and/or linked with, any of the herein-described systems, equipmentsystems, subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances, including,but not limited to, speedometer, cruise control device, gyroscope,gyrocompass, directional light device(s), light system(s), door locksystem(s), attitude measuring device(s), ignition system, brakingsystem, electronic system(s), hydraulic system(s), video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s), audio recording device(s) or microphone(s),and/or any other systems, equipment systems, devices, components, and/orappliances, described herein and/or otherwise, for controlling and/ormonitoring the operation of same and/or for monitoring activity at thesnowmobile.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can operate and/orfunction in a manner similar to, and/or analogous to, an aircraft flightdata recorder in monitoring and/or recording operation data. Inaddition, the snowmobile operation data monitoring device can receiveany and/or all of the data monitored and transmit same to the any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data and/or information. In thismanner, the snowmobile operation and/or movement can be monitored by,and/or at, any of the herein-described transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, and/or server computers.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can transmit any and/orall snowmobile operation data to a respective transmitter(s), homeand/or personal computer(s), computer(s), and/or server computer(s), inreal-time, live, in a time-delayed manner, and/or in any otherappropriate manner. The snowmobile operation data monitoring device canalso record and/or store any of the operation data monitored thereby.

Any data and/or information which is received from the snowmobileoperation data monitoring device can be stored at any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,which can be utilized to receive this data. The data and/or informationwhich is received from the snowmobile operation data monitoring devicecan be stored in any suitable manner which can typically involve storingsame digitally, storing same digitally in an overwriting manner, sothat, for example, the data can be stored and/or overwritten for a giventime period and overwriting same, storing same in a looping and/orre-circulating storage medium or tape, storing same in a manner utilizedin conjunction with, and/or similar to, the manner in which data and/orinformation is stored in aircraft flight data recorders and/or aircraftcockpit voice recorders.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be accessed by anyof the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personal computers,computers, and/or server computers, and/or the individuals utilizingsame, in order to monitor and/or ascertain snowmobile operation, and/orvideo and/or audio activity inside, outside, and/or at, the snowmobile,at any time and/or to retrieve and/or to access operating data regardingsnowmobile operation and/or movement, and/or video and/or audio activityinside, outside, and/or at, the snowmobile, which has been recordedand/or stored by the snowmobile operation data monitoring device. Forexample, snowmobile operating data and/or information, along with videoand/or audio information inside, outside, and/or at the snowmobile, canbe accesses and/or obtained.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be utilized tomonitor snowmobile operation, to investigate a malfunction, to diagnosisa malfunction or other problem, to investigate a cause of an accident,and/or can be utilized for any other purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the snowmobile operation data monitoringdevice can be programmed to monitor snowmobile operation data and/or totransmit same to any respective transmitter, home and/or personalcomputer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,continuously, at certain times, and/or under certain conditions, such asa detection by the CPU 4 and/or by the snowmobile operation datamonitor.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can also be activatedremotely by any individual via any respective transmitter, home and/orpersonal computer, computer, central computer, and/or server computer,and/or user of same. The snowmobile operation data monitoring device canalso be activated by a snowmobile operator and/or occupant and/or viaany other individual.

The data and/or information obtained from the snowmobile operation datamonitoring device can be stored at any of the respective transmitters,home and/or personal computers, computers, central computers, and/orserver computers, for accessing at any time. The data and/or informationcan be stored at the snowmobile operation data monitoring device, and/orat any of the herein-described and respective transmitters, home and/orpersonal computers, computers, central computers, and/or servercomputers, in a “loop tape” manner and/or digitally in a looping and/ordata overwriting manner so that, for example, only a most recent timeperiod is recorded.

The snowmobile operation data monitoring device can be utilized inconjunction with the present invention so as to obtain, to record,and/or access, and/or analyze, snowmobile operation data at thesnowmobile and/or from a location remote from the snowmobile, in anetwork environment, thereby facilitating the monitoring and/or theanalysis of snowmobile operation data.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the presentinvention can facilitate the transmission of data and/or informationregarding the operation of any of the herein described vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/orrecreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, ortype, and/or any of the respective systems, equipment systems,subsystems, devices, components, and/or appliances thereof, therebydispensing with the need to obtain this data and/or information fromdata recorders located in, at, or on, the respective vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/orrecreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, ortype. In this manner, for example, data and/or information normallyrecorded and/or store on a flight data recorder and/or a cockpit voicerecorder can be obtained and/or stored on, or at, any of theherein-described transmitters 2, home and/or personal computers 150,and/or any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, described herein. In this manner, the need to recover arespective data recorder from the respective vehicle, motor vehicle,boat, marine vessel, airplane, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicle,can be rendered unnecessary and/or can be dispensed with entirely.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the snowmobile equipmentsystem(s) 1411, and their associated interface devices 1412, may beoptional. Further, as described above, wireless devices may also beutilized.

The snowmobile equipment system(s) 1411 receives signals from the CPU 4,which signals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whicheverthe case may be, the respective snowmobile equipment system(s) which areutilized in conjunction with the apparatus 1400. The snowmobileequipment system(s) 1411 may also include any other suitable snowmobilesystem or equipment feature which may be utilized to draw attention tothe snowmobile and/or in some other way impede the snowmobile theft. Itshould be noted that any of the interface devices 1408, 1410 and 1412may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitry which may benecessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respective systems whichmay be utilized.

The apparatus 1400 also includes a position and locating device 13 whichcan be utilized in order to determine the position and/or the locationof the snowmobile. The position and locating device 13 can be utilizedso as to determine the position of the snowmobile anywhere in the worldand provide for the transmission of position and/or location data to anyappropriate system receiver so that the snowmobile may be located and/ortracked and recovered. In the preferred embodiment, the position andlocating device 13 includes and utilizes a global positioning device andan associated transmitter for transmitting position and/or location datato the authorized user or operator and/or to an authorized office oragency authorized to receive and/or to monitor such data transmissions.

The apparatus 1400 of FIG. 14 also includes a position and locatingsystem receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user oroperator and/or by the authorized office or agency, for receiving and/orprocessing the data which is transmitted from the snowmobile positionand locating device 13 as described above. The apparatus 1 may alsocomprise a user interface device (not shown).

The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 14 may beutilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/or analogousmanner as described herein and/or consistent with the description of thevarious embodiments and features of the present invention.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may also provide forthe immediate, and/or for the deferred control, activation,deactivation, programming, monitoring and/or security of any one or moreof the snowmobile and/or recreational vehicle systems, equipment,devices, appliances, etc., in the same, similar and/or analogous manneras described above in conjunction with the various embodiments of thepresent invention.

Although the present invention has been described herein as beingutilized in conjunction with a snowmobile, it is noted that the presentinvention may also be utilized in conjunction with any type ofrecreational vehicle, including jetskis, scooters, motorcycles,minibikes, hot-air balloons, go-carts, mopeds, etc, manned or unmanned,regardless of size, shape or form, private, commercial and/or military.The recreational vehicle equipment systems may also include guns and/orweapon systems and/or self-defense systems and/or electronic warfaresystems, if desired, and especially when used in law enforcement and/ormilitary applications.

The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with a motor home,a mobile home and/or a camper as the present invention may be utilizedto provide control, monitoring and/or security functions pertaining tomotor vehicle equipment and home systems, equipment and appliances.

In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention can beutilized in conjunction with a residential premises, residentialbuilding and/or a home or a household control system. FIG. 15illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present inventionwherein the apparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a homecontrol system. The apparatus of FIG. 15 is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1500. It is understood that, while the embodiment ofFIG. 15 is illustrated and described in conjunction with a home or ahousehold system, the apparatus 1500 may be utilized in any residentialpremises and/or any residential building.

In FIG. 15, the components of the apparatus 1500 which are common to theapparatus 1 of FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. InFIG. 15, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to the homeand/or household central electrical system 1507, which is locatedexternally from the apparatus 1500. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the home central electrical system 1507through a central electrical system interface 1508 which is also shownin FIG. 15.

The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receive signals from, thehome central electrical system 1507. In this manner, the CPU 4 and thehome central electrical system 1507, may exchange information betweeneach other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving an appropriatesignal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of the requisitedata processing routine, may issue an electrical, an electronic, and/orany other suitable signal, including a digital command signal, to thehome central electrical system 1507. This electrical, electronic and/orother suitable signal, or digital command signal, may be one which willdisable the home central electrical system 1507 or one which willre-enable or reset the home central electrical system 1507. The CPU 4may also interrogate the central electrical system 1507 and/or receivedata from the central electrical system 1507 which is indicative ofcentral electrical system status (i.e., whether the central electricalsystem 1507, or any portion thereof, is on or off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the home central heating system 1509 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1500. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the home central heating system 1509through a central heating system interface 1510 which is also shown inFIG. 15. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronicand/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable orto re-enable the home central heating system 1509. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate and/or receive data from the home central heating system1509 which is indicative of home central heating system status (i.e.,whether the central heating system 1509, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the home central air conditioning system 1511 which isalso located externally from the apparatus 1500. The CPU 4 may or maynot be connected and/or linked with the home central air conditioningsystem 1511 through a central air conditioning system interface 1512which is also shown in FIG. 15. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing anelectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digitalsignal, to disable or to re-enable the home central air conditioningsystem 1511. The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive data from thehome central air conditioning system 1511 which is indicative of homecentral air conditioning system status (i.e., whether the central airconditioning system 1511, or any portion thereof, is on or off).

The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the homewater system 1513 which is also located externally from the apparatus1500. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked with the homewater system 1513 through a home water system interface 1514 which isalso shown in FIG. 15. The home water system interface 1514, in thepreferred embodiment, is an electrically controlled water shut-offvalve(s) or similar device(s). The CPU 4 is capable of issuing anelectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digitalsignal, to disable or to re-enable the home water system 1513. The CPU 4may also interrogate and/or receive data from the home water system 1513which is indicative of the state of the home water system 1513 (i.e.whether the home water system 1513, or any portion thereof, is on oroff). The home water system 1513 may then be controlled (i.e. turned onor off) and/or adjusted by the user or operator.

The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to the homethermostat or environmental control system 1517 so as to control and/ormonitor home interior temperature. The CPU 4 may or may not be connectedand/or linked with the home thermostat system 1517 through a homethermostat system interface 1518 which is also shown in FIG. 15. The CPU4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or other suitablesignal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enable the homethermostat system 1517.

The CPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive data from the homethermostat system 1517 which is indicative of the state of the homethermostat system 1517 (i.e. home interior temperature and/or whetherthe temperature of the home interior, or any portion thereof, is toohot, too cold, or acceptable). The home thermostat system 1517 may thenbe controlled and/or adjusted by the user or operator. In this manner,the home thermostat system 1517 may then be adjusted and/or controlledby the user or operator via the apparatus 1500. The home thermostatsystem 1517 may be connected and/or linked to the home central heatingsystem 1509 and/or to the home central air conditioning system 1511 soas to activate, de-activate, set and/or control the operation of thesesystems, as necessary, in order to, and so as to, achieve the desiredtemperature and/or environmental conditions in the home.

The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connectedand/or linked to at least one or more of a home equipment system(s)1515. The home equipment system(s) 1515 are located externally from theapparatus 1500 and may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU4, via a home system equipment system or systems interface 1516 whichmay or may not be required for each one of the variety or multitude ofthe home equipment system(s) 1515 which may be utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus 1500.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may include a home anti-theft and/orburglary alarm system, a loud siren or alarm, which may be located inthe interior of the home, which may produce a loud piercing sound so asto make it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside the home, anexterior siren or alarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, whichmay be utilized to draw attention to the home, and exterior lightingsystem(s) and interior lighting systems, which lighting systems may beturned on or turned off at the user or operator's discretion and whichmay be controlled to blink on and off to draw attention to the home. Thehome equipment system(s) 1515 can also include “smart” windows whichturn opaque and/or darker depending upon interior lighting.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include an electrical and/orelectronically controlled locking devices for doors and/or windows,including electrical and/or electronic dead-bolt locking systems anddevices, electrical systems for controlling electrical circuits orsystems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/or appliance-by-appliance.The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include devices forcontrolling any one or more of the electrical circuits, such as circuitscontrolled by fuses, circuit breakers or equivalent devices. The homeequipment system(s) 1515 may also include devices for controlling and/ormonitoring hot water heaters, garage door openers, lawn sprinklersystems, electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground or above-ground poolequipment, filters and/or heaters, home central water valve, individualroom water valve, home fire detector equipment and home fireextinguishment equipment. The home equipment system(s) 1515 may alsoinclude power door and window closing, locking and opening equipment.The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include “smart” windowsand/or “smart” glass which can turn opaque depending upon the amountand/or intensity of interior lighting.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include any and all of a widevariety of home appliances such as televisions, telephones, telephoneanswering machines, alarm systems, VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens,door bells, individual lights or lamps, blenders, toasters, personalcomputers, word processors, stereos, radios, and any other homeappliance and/or device which is electrically and/or electronicallyactivated and/or controllable.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include video recordingand/or photographing equipment, which may include video recordingdevice(s) and/or a camera(s), such as those utilized in conjunction withpersonal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, display telephones, video telephones, and/or othercommunication devices, including personal communication devices, or astill picture camera(s). The video recording device(s) or camera(s) maybe digital recording devices or cameras or other suitable devices orcameras, including typical video recording devices or cameras. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s), in a preferred embodiment, hasassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting video images recorded by the video recording device(s) orcamera(s) to the owner or occupant and for receiving signals such as,for example, control signals, by which the owner or occupant mayexercise control over the video recording device(s) or camera(s).

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the home such as, for example, in any roomor rooms of the home so that the owner or occupant, or any otherauthorized individual, may observe and/or photograph any portions and/orrooms in the interior of the home, or the occupants and/or anythingwhich may be located and/or stored in the home. The video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s) may also be located on the exterior of the homeso that the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, mayobserve and/or photograph the exterior of the home or residentialpremises, or portion thereof, or the individuals or objects and/oranything which may be present, located and/or stored on the premises ofhome and/or residential premises.

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide angles formaximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable. Thevideo device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the premises interior or exterior. Thevideo recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/or transmit therecorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/or live. The videorecording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equipped with a storagemedium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s), and atransmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored video and/orpicture(s) to the owner or occupant at a later time. In this manner,real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s) transmissionsmay be provided.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include audio recordingequipment, which may include audio recording device(s) such asmicrophones and/or tape recorders, such as those utilized in conjunctionwith personal computers, televisions, digital televisions, interactivetelevisions, telephones, cellular telephones, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices. The audio recording device(s) may be digitalaudio recording devices or other suitable audio devices includingtypical audio recording devices. The audio recording device(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recorded audio to theowner or occupant and for receiving signals such as, for example,control signals, by which the owner or occupant may exercise controlover the audio recording device(s).

The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location on theinterior and/or exterior of the home and/or residential premises so thatthe owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, may hear whatis transpiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outside thehome and/or residential premises. The audio recording device(s) may alsobe pivotable and/or movable. The audio recording device(s) microphone(s)can be moveable along a track or other guiding device or element so thatthe respective audio recording device or microphone can be moved alongthe premises interior or exterior. The audio recording device(s) mayrecord and/or transmit the recorded audio in real time and/or live. Theaudio recording device(s) may also be equipped with a storage medium,for storing the recorded audio, and a transmitter or transceiver fortransmitting the stored audio at a later time. In this manner, real-timeas well as deferred audio transmissions may be provided.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include an intercom system ordevice or a telephone, cellular, digital or otherwise for providing ameans by which to allow the user or operator, or other authorizedoperator, to communicate with the persons present in, or occupants of,the home. The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include videoconferencing devices and/or equipment for enabling the home occupantsand/or individuals inside the home, outside the home, and/or in thevicinity of the home, to engage in and/or partake in video conferencesand/or video conferencing with others via a communication network.

The home equipment system 1515 can also include the premises battery orbatteries, premises fuel cell or fuel cells, battery monitoringequipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cell fuelsupply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cell by-product(i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuring device, fuel celloutput measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter, current measure, powermeter, etc.).

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include monitoring device(s)for reading and/or monitoring the status and/or condition of any of thehome fuel supply, water supply, electrical generator and/or alternatoroperation, water usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage, electricityusage, gas and/or oil or other fuel usage, battery charge level,electrical system charge level, fuel cell electrical power output, fuelcell fuel supply level, fuel cell operating temperature, fuel cellby-product output level, telephone usage and charges, appliance usage,etc, a home control system and/or any other home operation and/or systemfunction and/or home equipment system(s) operating status and/orcondition. The monitoring device(s), in a preferred embodiment, may haveassociated therewith a transceiver or transmitter/receiver system fortransmitting data and/or information recorded and/or read by themonitoring device(s) to the user or operator and for receiving signalssuch as, for example, control signals, by which the user or operator mayexercise control over the monitoring device(s).

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include communicationdevices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, fire extinguishingequipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, and anyelectrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a home. Appliances may includehousehold appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners,ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc. The home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 may also include electrical and/or electronicallycontrolled dead bolt locking devices for use on doors, windows, and/orin conjunction with any other opening components and/or components forgaining access to various locations on and/or in, and/or any systems,devices, and/or components of, the home and/or residential premises.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 may also include hydraulic and/orpneumatic equipment and/or other equipment, including winches, etc,which may be remotely activated as described herein. The home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 may also include home communication devices including,but not limited to radios, televisions and entertainment devices,two-way radios, cellular telephones and equipment, etc. The homeequipment system(s) 1515 may also include systems for detecting failuresin any of the herein-described equipment systems and report suchfailure(s) to the user or operator whether he or she is in the home ornot in the home and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include the home and/orresidential premises command computer which is utilized to controland/or to the various electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical systems, components, devices, of the home and/orresidential premises. The command computer can control and monitor anyof the herein-described systems, components, and/or devices, of the homeand/or residential premises which can be controlled and/or monitored bythe command computer.

The command computer can transmit control signals and/or status requestsignals to any of the herein-described home and/or residential premisessystems, components, and/or devices, so as to respectively controland/or monitor the operating status and/or condition of the respectivesystem, component, and/or device. The command computer can also receivesignals from the respective systems, devices, and/or components, withsaid signals containing data and/or information concerning the operatingstatus, operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems,devices, and/or components. The command computer can be utilized so asto control, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any ofthe home and/or residential premises systems, components, and/ordevices, which are controlled and/or monitored with the commandcomputer.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include wear and/or usageindicators and/or detection devices which can be connected with eitherthe command computer and/or the central processing computer and whichcan be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any of theherein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

The home equipment system(s) 1515 can also include automatic controldevices for controlling and/or monitoring home and/or residentialpremises systems, devices, and/or components, for home or residentialpremises maintenance and/or upkeep.

In the case of commercial, industrial, and/or farm and/or constructionequipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavating equipment,and/or other commercial equipment, the home equipment system(s) 1515 mayalso include loading and/or unloading mechanisms, cutting mechanisms,bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of the various systems anddevices utilized in conjunction with these premises and/or equipment.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the home equipmentsystem(s) 1515 and/or appliances or devices and their associatedinterface devices 1516, may be optional. The interface devices 1516 maybe wireless devices or modules which need not be directly connected tothe CPU 4 or to its respective equipment system. In this regard,hard-wired connections are not necessary. In the case of wirelessinterface devices or modules 1516, corresponding wireless technologyand/or systems may be utilized to provide for the wireless control andoperation of the respective equipment(s).

In the case of a mobile home, the apparatus 1500 may also comprise aposition and locating device 13 which can be utilized in order todetermine the position and/or the location of the mobile home. Themobile home position and locating device 13 can be utilized so as todetermine the position of the mobile home anywhere in the world andprovide for the transmission of position and/or location data to anyappropriate system receiver so that the mobile home may be locatedand/or tracked and recovered. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile homeposition and locating device 13 includes and utilizes a globalpositioning device and an associated transmitter for transmittingposition and/or location data to the authorized user, operator and/orauthorized individual.

The apparatus 1500 may also comprise a mobile home position and locatingsystem receiver 14, which may be employed by the authorized user,operator and/or authorized individual, for receiving and/or processingthe data which is transmitted from the position and locating device 13as described in the preferred embodiments above. The apparatus 1 mayalso comprise a user interface device (not shown).

The home equipment system(s) receives signals from the CPU 4, whichsignals serve to activate or de-activate, or vice versa, whichever thecase may be, the respective home equipment system(s) which are utilizedin conjunction with the apparatus 1500. The home equipment system(s)1515 may also include any other suitable home system or equipmentfeature which may be utilized to draw attention to the home and/or insome other way impede home theft. It should be noted that any of theinterface devices may include any of the requisite interfacing circuitrywhich may be necessary to facilitate CPU 4 control over the respectivesystems which may be utilized. It is understood that, while theembodiment of FIG. 15 is illustrated and described in conjunction with ahome or a household system, the embodiment may also be utilized in anyresidential premises and/or any residential building.

The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15 may beutilized and/or operates in the same or in a similar and/or analogousmanner as described in conjunction with the embodiments described above,and/or consistent with the description of the various embodiments andfeatures of the present invention as described herein, so as to providecontrol, monitoring and/or security functions for, and over, a homeand/or residential premises.

The apparatus and method of FIG. 15 can provide for an immediate, aswell as for a deferred, control, activation, de-activation, programming,monitoring and/or security function and/or response thereto of, and for,any one or more of the home and/or residential premises systems,equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in the same, similar and/oranalogous manner as described above in conjunction with its utilizationin the embodiments described herein.

As described above in conjunction with use of the apparatus and methodof the present invention with vehicles, the present invention may, ifdesired, perform a test in order to determine the state or status of anyparticular system, equipment, device and/or appliance before exercisingand/or performing a given control, monitoring and/or security function.Depending upon the outcome of the test, the apparatus and method of thepresent invention may execute, alter and/or defer the performance and/orexecution of the control, monitoring and/or security function. Forexample, a command to shut-off a home central electrical system may bedeferred until after the operation of a home security system, whichsecurity system may be deemed to have priority in performing amonitoring and shut-down procedure for the entire home, has beensuccessfully completed.

In this manner a homeowner or occupant may access a home system at anytime and from any location and thereby exercise and/or perform control,monitoring and/or security functions on, or over, any home system,equipment and/or appliance. The owner or occupant may also monitor thestatus, state or operation of any home system, equipment, device and/orappliance. Lastly, the owner or occupant may perform security relatedfunctions or operations on, and over, the home system, equipment, deviceand/or appliance. As noted above, the present invention may be utilizedin conjunction with a telephone, either analog or digital, a touch tonetelephone, a cordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone, ahome and/or a personal computer, having associated telecommunicationdevices or other suitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or afax/modem, or other personal communication devices, which may operateover an appropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitablecommunications systems, including radio signal, optical, satelliteand/or other communications systems.

In still another preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the presentinvention is utilized in conjunction with a commercial premises,commercial building, commercial office, industrial facility, commercialstructure, industrial structure, manufacturing facility, manufacturingequipment, manufacturing machine, drilling platform, drilling rig, oildrilling platform, off-shore drilling platform, off-shore drilling rig,excavation equipment, construction equipment, mining platform, miningequipment, assembly facility, assembly line facility and/or equipment,assembly equipment, industrial robotic equipment, mass productionfacility, production facility, assembly line, and/or any otherindustrial structure, building, edifice, equipment, system, device,component thereof and/or control system thereof and/or therefore(hereinafter referred to as “commercial premises”). FIG. 16 illustratesanother preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein theapparatus and method is utilized in conjunction with a commercialpremises and/or commercial premises control system. It is understoodthat, while the embodiment of FIG. 16 is illustrated and described inconjunction with a commercial office and/or premises control system, theembodiment may also be utilized in any commercial building and/or anycommercial premises and/or any type of building, structure, equipment,and/or premises. The apparatus of FIG. 16 is denoted generally by thereference numeral 1600. In FIG. 16, the components of the apparatuswhich are common to the apparatus of FIG. 1 are designated by the samereference numerals.

In FIG. 16, the CPU 4 is electrically connected and/or linked to thecommercial office and/or premises central electrical system 1607, whichis located externally from the apparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may notbe connected and/or linked with the central electrical system 1607through a central electrical system interface 1608 which is also shownin FIG. 16. The CPU 4 may transmit signals to, as well as receivesignals from, the central electrical system 1607. In this manner, theCPU 4 and the central electrical system 1607, may exchange informationbetween each other. In this manner, the CPU 4, upon receiving anappropriate signal from the receiver 3, and upon the completion of therequisite data processing routine, may issue an electrical, anelectronic, and/or any other suitable signal, including a digitalcommand signal, to the central electrical system 1607. This electrical,electronic and/or other suitable signal, or digital command signal, maybe one which will disable the central electrical system 1607 or onewhich will re-enable or reset the central electrical system 1607.

The CPU 4 may also interrogate the central electrical system 1607 and/orreceive data from the central electrical system 1607 which is indicativeof central electrical system status (i.e., whether the centralelectrical system 1607, or any portion thereof, is on or off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the commercial office and/or premises central heatingsystem 1609 which is also located externally from the apparatus 1600.The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked with the centralheating system 1609 through a central heating system interface 1610which is also shown in FIG. 16. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing anelectrical, electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digitalsignal, to disable or to re-enable the central heating system 1609. TheCPU 4 may also interrogate and/or receive data from the central heatingsystem 1609 which is indicative of central heating system status (i.e.,whether the central heating system 1609, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

In the preferred embodiment, the CPU 4 is also electrically connectedand/or linked to the commercial office and/or premises central airconditioning system 1611 which is also located externally from theapparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may not be connected and/or linked withthe central air conditioning system 1611 through a central airconditioning system interface 1612 which is also shown in FIG. 16. TheCPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronic and/or othersuitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable or to re-enablethe central air conditioning system 1611. The CPU 4 may also interrogateand/or receive data from the central air conditioning system 1611 whichis indicative of central air conditioning system status (i.e., whetherthe central air conditioning system 1611, or any portion thereof, is onor off).

The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thecommercial office and/or premises water system 1613 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the water system 1613 through a commercialoffice and/or premises water system interface 1614 which is also shownin FIG. 16. The water system interface 1614, in the preferredembodiment, is an electrically controlled water shut-off valve(s) and/ordevice(s). The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical, electronicand/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, to disable orto re-enable the water system 1613. The CPU 4 may also interrogateand/or receive data from the water system 1613 which is indicative ofthe state of the water system (i.e. whether the water system, or anyportion thereof, is on or off). The commercial office and/or premiseswater system 1613 may then be adjusted and/or controlled (i.e. turned onor off) by the user or operator.

The CPU 4 may also be electrically connected and/or linked to thecommercial office and/or premises thermostat system 1617 which is alsolocated externally from the apparatus 1600. The CPU 4 may or may not beconnected and/or linked with the thermostat system 1617 through acommercial office and/or premises thermostat system interface 1618 whichis also shown in FIG. 16. The CPU 4 is capable of issuing an electrical,electronic and/or other suitable signal, including a digital signal, todisable or to re-enable the thermostat system 1617. The CPU 4 may alsointerrogate and/or receive data from the thermostat system 1617 which isindicative of the temperature of the commercial office and/or premisesinterior (i.e., the interior temperature and/or whether interiortemperature, or any portion thereof, is too hot, too cold, oracceptable). The thermostat system 1617 may then be adjusted and/orcontrolled by the user or operator. The thermostat system 1617 may beconnected and/or linked to the central heating system 1609 and to thecentral air conditioning system 1611 so as to activate and/or controlthe operation of these systems in order to, and so as to, achieve thedesired temperature in the commercial office and/or premises.

The CPU 4, in the preferred embodiment, is also electrically connectedand/or linked to at least one or more of a commercial office and/orpremises equipment system(s) 1615. The commercial office and/or premisesequipment system(s) 1615 are located externally from the apparatus 1600and may or may not be connected and/or linked to the CPU 4, via acommercial office and/or premises system equipment system(s) interface1616 which may or may not be required for each one of the variety ormultitude of the commercial office and/or premises equipment systemswhich may be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 mayinclude a commercial office and/or premises anti-theft and/or burglaryalarm system, loud siren or alarm, which may be located in the interiorof the commercial office and/or premises, which may produce a loudpiercing sound so as to make it unbearable for an intruder to remaininside the commercial office and/or premises, an exterior siren oralarm, which may produce a loud piercing sound, which may be utilized todraw attention to the commercial office and/or premises and exteriorlighting system(s) and/or the interior lighting system(s), whichlighting systems may be turned on or turned off at the user's oroperator's discretion and which may be controlled to blink on and off todraw attention to the commercial office and/or premises. The premisesequipment system(s) 1615 can also include “smart” windows which turnopaque and/or darker depending upon interior lighting.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude electrical and/or electronically controlled locking devices fordoors and/or windows, including electric or electronic dead-bolt lockingdevices or systems, electrical systems for controlling electricalcircuits or systems room-by-room, device-by-device, and/orappliance-by-appliance.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude devices for controlling any one or more of the electricalcircuits, such as circuits controlled by fuses, circuit breakers orequivalent devices. The commercial office and/or premises equipmentsystem(s) 1615 may also include devices for controlling and/ormonitoring hot water heaters, garage door openers, lawn sprinklersystems, electric fences and/or fencing, in-ground or above-ground poolequipment, fountain equipment, filters and/or heaters, commercial officeand/or premises fire detector equipment and commercial office and/orpremises fire extinguishment equipment. Commercial office and/orpremises equipment system(s) 1615 may also include power door and windowclosing, locking and opening equipment.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude any and all office equipment and/or premises appliances such astelevisions, telephones, telephone answering machines, alarm systems,VCRs, stoves, ovens, microwave ovens, door bells, individual lights orlamps, blenders, toasters, computers and associated peripherals, wordprocessors, stereos, radios, manufacturing equipment and any othercommercial office and/or premises appliances and/or devices which areelectrically and/or electronically activated and/or controllable.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude video recording and/or photographing equipment, which mayinclude video recording device(s) and/or a camera(s), such as thoseutilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digitaltelevisions, interactive televisions, display telephones, videotelephones, and/or other communication devices, including personalcommunication devices, or a still picture camera(s). The video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s) may be digital recording devices or cameras orother suitable devices or cameras, including typical video recordingdevices or cameras. The video recording device(s) or camera(s), in apreferred embodiment, has associated therewith a transceiver ortransmitter/receiver system for transmitting video images recorded bythe video recording device(s) or camera(s) to the owner or occupant andfor receiving signals such as, for example, control signals, by whichthe owner or occupant may exercise control over the video recordingdevice(s) or camera(s).

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may be located at anylocation on the interior of the commercial office and/or premises suchas, for example, in any room or rooms of the commercial office and/orpremises so that the owner or occupant, or any other authorizedindividual, may observe and/or photograph any portions and/or rooms inthe interior of the commercial office and/or premises, or the occupantsand/or anything which may be located and/or stored in the commercialoffice and/or premises. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) mayalso be located on the exterior of the commercial office and/or premisesso that the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, mayobserve and/or photograph the exterior of the commercial office and/orpremises, or portion thereof, or the individuals or objects and/oranything which may be present, located and/or stored on the premises ofcommercial office and/or premises.

The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may have wide angles formaximum angular viewing and may also be pivotable and/or movable. Thevideo device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the commercial premises interior orexterior. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may record and/ortransmit the recorded video and/or the picture(s) in real time and/orlive. The video recording device(s) or camera(s) may also be equippedwith a storage medium, for storing the recorded video and/or picture(s),and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the stored videoand/or picture(s) to the owner or occupant at a later time. In thismanner, real-time, as well as deferred, video and/or picture(s)transmissions may be provided.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude audio recording equipment, which may include audio recordingdevice(s) such as microphones and/or tape recorders, such as thoseutilized in conjunction with personal computers, televisions, digitaltelevisions, interactive televisions, telephones, cellular telephones,display telephones, video telephones, and/or other communicationdevices, including personal communication devices. The audio recordingdevice(s) may be digital audio recording devices or other suitable audiodevices including typical audio recording devices. The audio recordingdevice(s), in a preferred embodiment, has associated therewith atransceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting the recordedaudio to the owner or occupant and for receiving signals such as, forexample, control signals, by which the owner or occupant may exercisecontrol over the audio recording device(s).

The audio recording device(s) may be located at any location on theinterior and/or exterior of the commercial office and/or premises sothat the owner or occupant, or any other authorized individual, may hearwhat is transpiring, and/or what has transpired, inside and/or outsidethe commercial office and/or premises.

The audio recording device(s) may also be pivotable and/or movable. Theaudio device(s) or camera(s) can be moveable along a track or otherguiding device or element so that the respective video recording deviceor camera can be moved along the commercial premises interior orexterior. The audio recording device(s) may record and/or transmit therecorded audio in real time and/or live. The audio recording device(s)may also be equipped with a storage medium, for storing the recordedaudio, and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting the storedaudio at a later time. In this manner, real-time as well as deferredaudio transmissions may be provided.

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude an intercom system or device or telephone, cellular, digital orotherwise, for providing a means by which to allow the user or operator,or other authorized individual, to communicate with the persons presentin the, or occupants of the, commercial office and/or premises. Thevehicle equipment system 1615 can also include video conferencingdevices and/or equipment for enabling the commercial office and/orpremises occupants and/or individuals inside the commercial officeand/or premises, outside the commercial office and/or premises, and/orin the vicinity of the commercial office and/or premises, to engage inand/or partake in video conferences and/or video conferencing withothers via a communication network.

The premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also include the premisesbattery or batteries, premises fuel cell or fuel cells, batterymonitoring equipment, battery charge level, fuel cell output, fuel cellfuel supply, fuel cell temperature measuring device, fuel cellby-product (i.e. water or other by-product, heat, etc.) measuringdevice, fuel cell output measuring device (i.e. voltmeter, ammeter,current measure, power meter, etc.).

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) 1615 may alsoinclude monitoring device(s) for reading and/or monitoring the statusand/or condition of any of the commercial office and/or premises fuelsupply, water supply, electrical generator and/or alternator operation,water usage, heat and/or air conditioning usage, electricity usage, gasand/or oil or other fuel usage, battery charge level, electrical systemcharge level, fuel cell electrical power output, fuel cell fuel supplylevel, fuel cell operating temperature, fuel cell by-product outputlevel, telephone usage and charges, commercial office and/or premisesequipment and/or appliance usage, etc, a commercial office and/orpremises control system and/or any other commercial office and/orpremises operation and/or system function and/or commercial premisesequipment system(s) operating status and/or condition. The monitoringdevice(s), in a preferred embodiment, may have associated therewith atransceiver or transmitter/receiver system for transmitting data and/orinformation recorded and/or read by the monitoring device(s) to the useror operator and for receiving signals such as, for example, controlsignals, by which the user or operator may exercise control, monitoringand/or security over the monitoring device(s).

The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includecommunication devices, such as two-way radios, radios, televisions, fireextinguishing equipment, emergency and/or distress signal equipment, andany electrical, electronic and/or otherwise activated appliances and/orequipment which may be utilized in a commercial office and/or premises.Appliances may include household appliances such as refrigerators,stoves, air conditioners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting systems, etc.The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includeelectrical and/or electronically controlled dead bolt locking devicesfor use on doors, windows, and/or in conjunction with any other openingcomponents and/or components for gaining access to various locations onand/or in, and/or any systems, devices, and/or components of, thecommercial premises.

The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includehydraulic and/or pneumatic equipment and/or other equipment, assemblyequipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, construction equipment,excavation equipment, robotic equipment, electrical equipment of anykind, mechanical equipment of any kind, electromechanical equipment ofany kind, including winches, etc, which may be remotely activated asdescribed herein. The premises equipment system(s) 1615 may also includepremises communication devices including, but not limited to radios,televisions and entertainment devices, two-way radios, cellulartelephones and equipment, etc. The premises equipment system(s) 1615 mayalso include systems for detecting failures in any of theherein-described equipment systems and report such failure(s) to theuser or operator whether he or she is in the premises or not in thepremises and/or for reporting such failures to a central office.

The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also include thecommercial premises command computer which is utilized to control and/orto the various electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical systems, components, devices, of the commercialpremises. The command computer can control and monitor any of theherein-described systems, components, and/or devices, of the commercialpremises which can be controlled and/or monitored by the commandcomputer.

The command computer can transmit control signals and/or status requestsignals to any of the herein-described commercial premises systems,components, and/or devices, so as to respectively control and/or monitorthe operating status and/or condition of the respective system,component, and/or device. The command computer can also receive signalsfrom the respective systems, devices, and/or components, with saidsignals containing data and/or information concerning the operatingstatus, operating state, and/or condition, of the respective systems,devices, and/or components. The command computer can be utilized so asto control, monitor, and/or provide diagnostic information for any ofthe commercial premises systems, components, and/or devices, which arecontrolled and/or monitored with the command computer.

The premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also include wear and/or usageindicators and/or detection devices which can be connected with eitherthe command computer and/or the central processing computer and whichcan be utilized so as to monitor the wear and/or usage of any of theherein-described electronic, electrical, mechanical, and/orelectromechanical, systems, devices, and/or components.

The commercial premises equipment system(s) 1615 can also includeautomatic control devices for controlling and/or monitoring commercialpremises systems, devices, and/or components, for commercial premisesmaintenance and/or upkeep.

In the case of commercial, industrial, and/or farm and/or constructionequipment, drilling equipment, mining equipment, excavating equipment,and/or other commercial equipment, the premises equipment system(s) 1615may also include loading and/or unloading mechanisms, cuttingmechanisms, bailing mechanisms, winches and any and all of the varioussystems and devices utilized in conjunction with these premises and/orequipment.

As noted above, the use of any one or more of the commercial officeand/or premises equipment systems and/or appliances or devices 1615 andtheir associated interface devices 1616, may be optional. The interfacedevices 1616 may be wireless devices or modules which need not bedirectly connected to the CPU 4 or to its respective equipment system.In this regard, wired connections are not necessary. In the case ofwireless interface devices or modules 1616, corresponding wirelesstechnology and/or systems must be utilized to provide for the wirelesscontrol and operation of the respective equipment(s).

The commercial office and/or premises equipment system or system(s) 1615receives signals from the CPU 4, which signals serve to activate orde-activate, or vice versa, whichever the case may be, the respectivecommercial office and/or premises equipment system(s) which are utilizedin conjunction with the apparatus 1600. The commercial office and/orpremises equipment system(s) 1615 may also include any other suitablecommercial office and/or premises system or equipment feature which maybe utilized to draw attention to the commercial office and/or premisesand/or in some other way impede commercial office and/or premises theft.It should be noted that any of the interface devices may include any ofthe requisite interfacing circuitry which may be necessary to facilitateCPU 4 control over the respective systems, equipment, devices and/orappliances which may be utilized.

The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 isutilized and operates in the manner described above in conjunction withthe vehicle and/or the home embodiments so as to provide for a systemfor controlling, monitoring and/or providing security functions for andover a commercial office and/or premises. The apparatus and method ofthe preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 may be utilized and/or operates inthe same or in a similar and/or analogous manner consistent with thedescription of the various embodiments and features of the presentinvention as described herein so as to provide control, monitoringand/or security functions over and with respect to the commercial officeand/or premises with which the apparatus is utilized in conjunctionwith.

In the case of mobile commercial office and/or premises, the apparatus1600 may also comprise a commercial office and/or premises position andlocating device 13 which can be utilized in order to determine theposition and/or the location of the commercial office and/or premises.The position and locating device 13 can be utilized so as to determinethe position of the commercial office and/or premises anywhere in theworld and provide for the transmission of position and/or location datato any appropriate system receiver so that the commercial office and/orpremises may be located and/or tracked and recovered. In the preferredembodiment, the position and locating device 13 includes and utilizes aglobal positioning device and an associated transmitter for transmittingposition and/or location data to the authorized user, operator, and/orauthorized individual.

The apparatus 1600 also includes a commercial offices and/or premisesposition and locating system receiver 14, which may be employed by theauthorized user, operator, and/or authorized individual, for receivingand/or processing the data which is transmitted from the position andlocating device 13 as described above. The apparatus 1 may also comprisea user interface device (not shown).

The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 isutilized and operates in the manner described above in conjunction withthe vehicle and/or the home premises embodiments so as to provide for asystem for controlling, monitoring and/or providing security functionsfor, and over, a commercial office and/or premises. The apparatus andmethod of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 16 may be utilized and/oroperates in the same or in a similar and/or analogous manner asdescribed in conjunction with the various embodiments described hereinand/or consistent with the description of the various embodiments andfeatures of the present invention as described herein, so as to providecontrol, monitoring and/or security functions for, and over, acommercial office and/or premises.

In this manner, an owner, occupant, and/or authorized individual, mayaccess a commercial office and/or premises system at any time and fromany location and thereby exercise and/or perform control, monitoringand/or security functions over any commercial office and/or premisessystem, equipment, device and/or appliance. The owner, occupant, and/orauthorized individual, may also monitor the status, state or operationof any commercial office and/or premises system, equipment, deviceand/or appliance. Lastly, the owner or authorized individual may performsecurity related functions or operations on and over the commercialoffice and/or premises system, equipment, device and/or appliance.

The apparatus and method of FIG. 16 can provide for an immediate, aswell as for a deferred, control, activation, de-activation, programming,monitoring and/or security functions and/or responses thereto, of, andfor, any one or more of the commercial office and/or premises systems,equipment, devices, appliances, etc., in the same, similar and/oranalogous manner as described above with in conjunction with the variousembodiments.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with avehicle such as a shipment conveyance device, a shipping container, ashipment container, a pallet, a container, a refrigerated container, aprotective container, a railroad container, a tractor trailer container,a air freight container, a marine vessel shipment container, a tote, abox, an envelope, a bag, a canvas bag, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structure or apparatus, of any size, kind, or type.In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be used for providing shipment information and, inparticular, for providing shipment information which can be attached to,integrated with, located and/or positioned on, and/or located and/orpositioned in, a shipment conveyance device, a shipping container, ashipment container, a pallet, a container, a refrigerated container, aprotective container, a railroad container, a tractor trailer container,a air freight container, a marine vessel shipment container, a tote, abox, an envelope, a bag, a canvas bag, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structure or apparatus, or any of the other vehiclesdescribed herein.

The present invention can also be utilized to provide an apparatus andmethod for providing and/or for processing information regarding ashipment of goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities which can be shipped and/or transported via any of theherein-described shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers,shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers,protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailer containers,air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes,envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedon, positioned on, positioned in, located on, located in, integratedwith, built-into, or utilized in conjunction with, any of theherein-described shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers,shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers,protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailer containers,air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes,envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses, and/or any of the other vehiclesdescribed herein. In this manner, the present invention can be utilizedto provide a shipment conveyance device, a shipping container, ashipment container, a pallet, a container, a refrigerated container, aprotective container, a railroad container, a tractor trailer container,a air freight container, a marine vessel shipment container, a tote, abox, an envelope, a bag, a canvas bag, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structure or apparatus, which can include anapparatus for providing shipment information and/or an apparatus forproviding control, monitoring, and/or security, for any of, or inconnection with, any of the shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, ortype, described herein.

The present invention can also be utilized to provide an apparatus andmethod for use in conjunction with a carrier computer, a sender orshipping entity computer, a receiver or receiving entity computer,and/or a central processing computer, for facilitating use of theapparatus and method of the present invention in a network environment.Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/263,877which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for providingshipment information.

FIG. 17 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The apparatus of FIG. 17 is designated generally by thereference numeral 1700. The apparatus 1700 of FIG. 17 can include ashipment conveyance device, a pallet, a container, a tote, and/or anyshipment conveyance structure 1710 (hereinafter referred to as a“shipment conveyance device 1710”, “pallet 1710”, or “container 1710”.The apparatus 1700 can also include a shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 which can be attached to, built into, integrated into,and/or located inside, the shipment conveyance device 1710.

With reference to FIG. 17, the apparatus 1700 can also include a carriercomputer or communication device 1730 (hereinafter referred to as the“carrier computer 1730”) which is associated with the carrier which isutilized to transport the shipment conveyance device 1710. The carriercomputer 1730 can be any one or more of a computer, a computer system, agroup of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, a wirelesstelephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, a personalcommunication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, a palm-topdevice, and/or any other communication device(s) and/or computer(s).

The carrier computer 1730 can be located at, or in, the carrier vehicle.The carrier computer 1730 can also be located at, or in, a regional orcentral carrier office. The carrier computer 1730 can also be a wirelessor hand-held device which can be a mobile device. With reference to FIG.17, the apparatus 1700 can also include a sender or shipping entitycomputer or communication device 1740 (hereinafter referred to as the“sender computer 1740”) which is associated with the a sender orshipping entity who or which is effecting shipment of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,which can be shipped on, in, or in conjunction with, the shipmentconveyance devices 1710. The sender computer 1740 can be any one or moreof a computer, a computer system, a group of computers, a telephone, apersonal computer, a wireless telephone, a personal digital assistant, avideo telephone, a personal communication device, a wireless device, ahandheld device, a palm-top device, and/or any other communicationdevice(s) and/or computer(s).

With reference to FIG. 17, the apparatus 1700 can also include areceiver or receiving entity computer or communication device 1750(hereinafter referred to as the “receiver computer 1750”) which isassociated with the a receiver or receiving entity who or which isreceiving shipment of the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, which can be shipped on, in, or inconjunction with, the shipment conveyance devices 1710. The receivercomputer 1750 can be any one or more of a computer, a computer system, agroup of computers, a telephone, a personal computer, a wirelesstelephone, a personal digital assistant, a video telephone, a personalcommunication device, a wireless device, a handheld device, a palm-topdevice, and/or any other communication device(s) and/or computer(s).

With reference to FIG. 17, the apparatus 1700 can also include a centralprocessing computer 1760 which can be utilized to administer, manage,and/or control, the operation of the apparatus 1700 and/or any of theshipment conveyance device computers 1720, the carrier computers 1730,the sender computers 1740, and/or the receiver computers 1750, describedherein. The central processing computer 1760 can be a computer, acomputer system, a network computer, a server computer, and/or acommunication device, and/or any combination of same. The centralprocessing computer 1760 can service any number of the herein-describedshipment conveyance devices 1710, shipment conveyance device computers1720, carrier computers 1730, sender computers 1740, and/or receivercomputers 1750.

The apparatus 1700 can include any number of shipment conveyance devices1710, shipment conveyance device computers 1720, carrier computers 1730,sender computers 1740, receiver computers 1750, and/or centralprocessing computers 1760. The herein-described shipment conveyancedevice computers 1720, carrier computers 1730, sender computers 1740,receiver computers 1750, and/or central processing computers 1760, cancommunicate with, transmit information to, and/or receive informationfrom, any shipment conveyance device computers 1720, carrier computers1730, sender computers 1740, receiver computers 1750, and/or centralprocessing computers 1760, over any suitable communication network orsystem, including, but not limited to a telephone network, atelecommunication network, a digital communication network, a satellitecommunication network, a wireless communication network, a personalcommunication services network, a broadband communication network, abluetooth communication network, the Internet, the World Wide Web,and/or any other communication network and/or system. The apparatus1700, as well as any other of the embodiments described herein, can beutilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitablecommunication network or system, including, but not limited to atelephone network, a telecommunication network, a digital communicationnetwork, a satellite communication network, a wireless communicationnetwork, a personal communication services network, a broadbandcommunication network, a bluetooth communication network, the Internet,the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication network and/orsystem.

Any of the carrier computers 1730, sender computers 1740, receivercomputers 1750, and/or central processing computers 1760, can include,where appropriate and/or where suitable, a central processing unit(CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an inputdevice, a reading or scanning device, a display device, a receiver, atransmitter, a database, and an output device. Any of the carriercomputers 1730, sender computers 1740, and/or receiver computers 1750,can also contain any other devices or peripherals needed and/or desiredfor programming the shipment conveyance computers 1720, depositing orprogramming information into the shipment conveyance computers 1720,and/or reading or extracting information from the shipment conveyancecomputers 1720.

FIG. 18 illustrates the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 of FIG.17, in block diagram form. The shipment conveyance device computer 1720can provide and/or perform any of the processing routines orfunctionality described herein. With reference to FIG. 18, the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 includes a central processing unit orCPU 1720A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. TheCPU 1720A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer,and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon the application.

The shipment conveyance device computer 1720 also includes a randomaccess memory device(s) 1720B (RAM) and a read only memory device(s)1720C (ROM), each of which is connected to the CPU 1720A. The shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 can also include an input device 1720D,for entering data, information, and/or commands into the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720. The input device can be or can includeany one of more of a keyboard, a pointing device, such as, for example,a mouse or a touch pad, etc., a scanner, a scanning device, a readingdevice for reading data and/or information provided from a scanner, adata and/or information reading device, a reader, a card reader, amagnetic stripe card reader, a bar code reader, an optical reader,and/or any other input device for entering and/or for receiving dataand/or information in any form, including, but not limited to,electronic form, optical from, magnetic form, and/or in any othersuitable form or format. The input device(s) is also connected to theCPU 1720A.

The shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can also include a displaydevice 1720E, such as, for example, a display screen or device fordisplaying data and/or information to a user or other individual. Thedisplay device can be a display screen, a liquid crystal display screen,a light emitting diode screen, and/or any other appropriate and/orsuitable display device or display screen. The display device 1720E candisplay any of the herein-described data and/or information which isdescribed herein as being input into, processed by, and/or output from,the shipment conveyance device computer 1720. The shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720 can also include a transmitter(s) 1720F, fortransmitting signals and/or data and/or information from the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 to any one or more of the carriercomputers 1730, the sender computers 1740, the receiver computers 1750,the central processing computers 1760, and/or any of the other shipmentconveyance device computers 1720 described herein. The shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 also includes a receiver 1720G, forreceiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or more ofthe carrier computers 1730, the sender computers 1740, the receivercomputers 1750, the central processing computers 1760, and/or any of theother shipment conveyance device computers 1720 described herein.

With reference to FIG. 18, shipment conveyance device computer 1720 alsoincludes a database 1720H. The database 1720H can contain any data,information, software programs, software algorithms, and/or any otherinformation needed and/or desired for performing any of the processingroutines and/or functionality described herein as being performed by theshipment conveyance device computer(s) 1720 and/or by the apparatus1700. The database 1720H can contain data and/or information regardingand/or relating to the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities which are being shipped and/ortransported via the respective shipment conveyance device 1710,including, but not limited to, a description of the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, thequantity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects,and/or any other entities, the sender or shipper of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, the origination of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,the receiver or receiving entity of the respective goods, products,items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, the destination ofthe respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or anyother entities, the cost, value, or price, of the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, theshipping cost of the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, the carrier, transporter, ordeliverer, of the respective goods, products, items, entities, objects,and/or any other entities, special instructions regarding the shipment,carriage, or transportation, of the respective goods, products, items,entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and handling instructionsregarding and/or pertaining to the respective goods, products, items,entities, objects, and/or any other entities, shipping, delivery, and/ortravel.

The database 1720H can also contain data and/or information regardingthe shipment, handling, or delivery, instructions regarding therespective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any otherentities. For example, the database 1720H can also contain informationregarding whether the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, is or are perishable, is or arefragile, must be heated, must be refrigerated, temperature requirementsduring shipment, etc. The database 1720H can also contain loading and/orunloading, as well as, handling instructions during shipment, for any ofthe respective goods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or anyother entities.

The database 1720H can also contain data and/or information regardinginvoice information regarding the shipment or delivery of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities,packing slip information regarding the respective goods, products,items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, insuranceinformation regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, and expected or projected deliverytime information regarding the respective goods, products, items,entities, objects, and/or any other entities. The database 1720H canalso contain data and/or information regarding the from and/or manner ofpayment and/or payment instructions (i.e. cash on delivery, electronicpayment on delivery, allowed credit amount, payment due information,payment due by information, sender's financial account information,etc.). The database 1720H can also contain position information,location information, digitized map data and/or information, and/or anyother information which can be utilized by, or in conjunction with, theglobal positioning device 1720J. The database 1720H can also containdata and/or information regarding the location or position of stops madeby the carrier, transporter, or deliverer, of the respective shipmentconveyance device 1710 and/or the shipment conveyance device computer1720, during the transportation of the respective goods, products,items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, and the respectiveshipment conveyance device 1710, during the shipment, transportation, ordelivery, of same from its point of origin to its delivery destination.

The database 1720H can also contain data and/or information regardingthe travel log for the respective goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, and/or for the respective shipmentconveyance device(s) 1710, and/or the time in transit, distancetraveled, etc., for or regarding the goods, products, items, entities,objects, and/or any other entities, and/or for the respective shipmentconveyance device(s) 1710. The database 1720H can also contain dataand/or information regarding the usage history of the respectiveshipment conveyance device(s) 1710, including, but limited to, the timedeployed in service, the number of times used, and/or the service timeor service history since initial deployment. The database 1720H can alsocontain data and/or information regarding the maintenance history of therespective shipment conveyance device(s) 1710 and/or shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720.

The database 1720H can also contain data and/or information, includingsoftware programs and/or algorithms, for facilitating communication ofthe shipment conveyance device computer 1720 with any of theherein-described carrier computers 1730, sender computers 1740, receivercomputers 1750, central processing computers 1760, and/or any other theshipment conveyance device computer 1720. The database 1720H can alsocontain data and/or information, including software programs and/oralgorithms, for facilitating data and/or information transmissionbetween, from, and/or to, respectively, the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 and any of the herein-described carrier computers 1730,sender computers 1740, receiver computers 1750, central processingcomputers 1760, and/or any other the shipment conveyance device computer1720.

The database 1720H can also contain an electronic signature, electronicsignatures, and/or electronic signature information for, regarding,and/or relating to, any of the herein-described senders, sendingentities, shippers, carriers, transporters, delivery service providers,receivers, receiving entities, and/or any other individuals, parties,and/or entities, which or which may utilize the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20 and/or who or which may be involved in a shipment,transport, and/or delivery, involving same. The electronic signature,electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information, can beutilized and/or processed in the processing and/or consummation of anytransactions involving any respective parties involved in any of theherein-described shipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.

The database 1720H can also contain electronic payment information,electronic and/or digital money information, payment identificationinformation, credit account information, credit card accountinformation, charge account information, charge card accountinformation, debit account information, debit card account information,electronic money account information, letter of credit information,financial account information, for, corresponding to, and/or relatingto, any of respective parties involved in any of the herein-describedshipment, transporting, and/or delivery, activities.

The database 1720H can also contain any other data and/or informationfor facilitating the processing of, the consummation of, and/or theexecution or, financial transactions between and/or involving any of therespective parties involved in any of the herein-described shipment,transporting, and/or delivery, activities. The database 1720H can alsocontain any other data and/or information needed and/or desired forfacilitating the operation of the apparatus and method of the presentinvention as described herein.

Any of the herein-described data and/or information which can be storedin the database 1720H can be input into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 and/or can be programmed into and/or pre-stored in thedatabase 1720H.

With reference once again to FIG. 18, the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 can also include an output device 1720I such as a printer,a modem, a fax/modem, a reader/transmitter device for providing dataand/or information to an external scanner, a reader, or other readingand/or receiving device, a card reader/transmitter device for providingdata and/or information to an external scanner, a cardreader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to anexternal scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, amagnetic card reader/transmitter device for providing data and/orinformation to an external scanner, a reader, or other reading and/orreceiving device, an optical a card reader/transmitter device forproviding data and/or information to an external scanner, a reader, orother reading and/or receiving device, an electronic datareader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to anexternal scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device, areader/transmitter device for providing data and/or information to anexternal scanner, a reader, or other reading and/or receiving device,and/or any other reading and/or receiving device and/or output device,for outputting information to any one or more of a carrier, a shipper, atransporter, a sender, and/or a receiver, and/or any respective readingor scanning device associated therewith or utilized thereby, who orwhich utilizes the apparatus and method of the present invention.

The output device 1720I can also be a programmable bar code displaydevice or other code display device which can be displayed and which canbe reader by an appropriate bar code reader or code reader. In thepreferred embodiment, the bar code display device or other code displaydevice can provide a code, bar code or otherwise, through a glare-proofscreen. The bar code or other code can be provide information regardingthe data and/or information being output from the shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720. The displayed code can also be a dynamicallychanging code which can contain the data and/or information which iscurrently being output. In this regard, for example, the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 can output various data and/orinformation via the same output device 1720I by utilizing a multitude ofbar codes or codes. The output device 1720I can also be a speaker forproviding an audio signal or audible stimulus, indication, and/orinformation, to a user and/or can also be a light or lighting device forproviding a visual signal or visual stimulus, indication, and/orinformation, to a user.

The shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can also include a globalpositioning device 1720J which can be utilized in order to determine theposition and/or location of the shipment conveyance device computer1720. The shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can also include asensor device 1720K which can be any one of more of a thermometer formeasuring and/or monitoring shipping temperature, a shock detectiondevice for measuring and/or monitoring shocks, impacts, and/or otherforces which may be exerted on the shipment conveyance device 1710,and/or a proximity detection device for monitoring and/or detecting thephysical proximity of the shipment conveyance device 1710 and/or theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 with any one or more of anyother shipment conveyance device 1710, shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720, carrier computer 1730, sender computer 1740, and/orreceiver computer 1750.

The sensor device 1720K can also include multiple sensing elements whichcan be placed at various locations in, on, and/or in conjunction withthe shipment conveyance device 1710. Each of the multiple sensingelements can be utilized in order to sense or detect if the shipmentconveyance device 1710 has been damaged and/or broken and/or otherwisecompromised.

The apparatus and method of the present invention, and/or particular,the shipment conveyance device computer 1720, can be utilized on, in,and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, totes,boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, and/or any shipment conveyancestructures or apparatuses, of any size, kind, or type.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized on,in, and/or in conjunction with shipment conveyance devices can also becargo containers or any type, kind, shape, or size, which can beutilized trucks, cars, vehicles, trains, boats, ships, marine vessels,aircraft, airplanes, of any kind or type for performing ground, sea andair, transport. The shipping conveyance device computer 1720 can beattached to, built into, integrated with, and/or placed inside, theshipping conveyance device 1710. For example, the shipping conveyancedevice computer 1720 can be built into, or be an integrated componentof, a pallet, container, or shipping structure. The shipping conveyancedevice computer 1720 can also be inside a box, container, tote bag,canvas tote bag, piece of baggage, etc. so as to be placed with thecontents of the shipment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a pallet in conjunction with which the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720, and/or the apparatus 1700 of thepresent invention, can be utilized. The pallet can be constructed and/ormanufactured from plastic, rubber, wood, metal, and/or any othersuitable material(s), combination of the above-described materials,and/or composites of the above-described materials. The palletillustrated in FIG. 19 is an example of a pallet with which theapparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized. Theapparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized withpallets of any kind, type, shape, or size.

In the preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer1720 can be placed in any portion or member of the pallet, in a recessedor molded space in or on any portion or member of the pallet. Forexample, a member component of the pallet can be manufactured such thatthe shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can be placed thereon orthereon in any appropriate manner. In a preferred embodiment, theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 can be placed or located in amanner so as to avoid damage thereto or interference therewith. In thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 19, the shipment conveyance device computer1720 is located at the position shown on the pallet 1710.

FIG. 20 illustrates a container, or shipping container, in conjunctionwith which the shipment conveyance device computer 1720, and/or theapparatus 1700 of the present invention, can be utilized. The containercan be constructed and/or manufactured from plastic, rubber, wood,metal, and/or any other suitable material(s), combination of theabove-described materials, and/or composites of the above-describedmaterials. The container can be any type of container and can be ageneral purpose container, a refrigerated container, a heated container,an insulated container and/or any other type of container which can beutilized in order to ship any of the herein-described goods, products,items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities which can be shippedand/or transported via any of the herein-described shipment conveyancedevices, pallets, containers, totes, and/or any shipment conveyancestructures or apparatuses. The container illustrated in FIG. 20 is anexample of a container with which the apparatus and method of thepresent invention can be utilized. The apparatus and method of thepresent invention can also be utilized with containers of any kind,type, shape, or size.

In the preferred embodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer1720 can be placed in any portion or member of the container, in arecessed or molded space in or on any portion or member of thecontainer. For example, a member component of the container can bemanufactured such that the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 canbe placed thereon or thereon in any appropriate manner. In a preferredembodiment, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can be placedor located in a manner so as to avoid damage thereto or interferencetherewith. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 20, the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 is located at the position shown on thecontainer 1710.

The apparatus and method of the present invention, as well as theapparatus 1700 of the present invention can be utilized in a number ofpreferred embodiments in order to provide shipment information. Thepresent invention, in another preferred embodiment, can also be utilizedin order to provide information regarding a shipment or delivery to anyone or more of a carrier or transporter of the shipment, to the receiveror receiving entity of the shipment, and/or to the central processingcomputer 1760 and/or to the operator or administrator of the system ofthe present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for utilizingthe apparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the sender of a shipment of goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, can storeinformation regarding the shipment in the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720. The sender can input information into the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 manually via the input device 1720D,electronically via the receiver 1720G, and/or via any combination ofmanual data entry and electronic data entry. The information canthereafter be retrieved by the carrier of the shipment and/or by thereceiver of the shipment. With reference to FIG. 21, the operation ofthe apparatus 1700 commences at step 2100.

At step 2101, the sender of the shipment can load the respective goods,products, items, entities, objects, and/or any other entities, onto orinto the shipment conveyance device 1710 which can, for example, be apallet or container. At step 2102, the sender can also enter data and/orinformation concerning or pertaining to the shipment into the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720. The data and/or information which isentered into the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can be any ofthe data and/or information described herein as being stored in thedatabase 1720H. In this regard, the sender can enter data and/orinformation regarding and one or more data and/or information regardingand/or relating to the respective goods, products, items, entities, orobjects, a description of the respective goods, products, items,entities, or objects, the quantity of the respective goods, products,items, entities, or objects, the sender or shipper of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, or objects, the origination of therespective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the receiver orreceiving entity of the respective goods, products, items, entities, orobjects, the destination of the respective goods, products, items,entities, or objects, the cost, value, or price, of the respectivegoods, products, items, entities, or objects, the shipping cost of therespective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, the carrier,transporter, or deliverer, of the respective goods, products, items,entities, or object, and/or special instructions regarding the shipment,handling, carriage, or transportation, of the respective goods,products, items, entities, or objects.

The sender can also enter data and/or information regarding any one ormore of invoice information regarding the shipment or delivery of therespective goods, products, items, entities, or objects, packing slipinformation regarding the respective goods, products, items, entities,or objects, insurance information regarding the respective goods,products, items, entities, or objects, expected or projected deliverytime information regarding the shipment, position information, locationinformation, digitized map data and/or information, informationregarding the location or position of stops made by the carrier,transporter, or deliverer, of the shipment, electronic signature,electronic signatures, and/or electronic signature information for,regarding, and/or relating to, any of the herein-described senders,sending entities, shippers, carriers, transporters, delivery serviceproviders, receivers, receiving entities, and/or any other individuals,parties, and/or entities, which or which may involved in the shipment asa sender, carrier, and/or receiver.

The sender can also enter data and/or information regarding any one ormore of data and/or information regarding the from and/or manner ofpayment and/or payment instructions (i.e. cash on delivery, electronicpayment on delivery, allowed credit amount, payment due information,payment due by information, sender's financial account information,etc.), electronic payment information, electronic and/or digital moneyinformation, payment identification information, credit accountinformation, credit card account information, charge accountinformation, charge card account information, debit account information,debit card account information, electronic money account information,letter of credit information, financial account information, for,corresponding to, and/or relating to, any of respective parties involvedin shipment.

The data and/or information entered into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720, at step 2101, can be processed and/or stored in thedatabase 1720H. At step 2102, the shipment conveyance device 1710 isprovided to the carrier. At step 2103, the shipment conveyance device1710 can be transported to its destination. At any time during thetransport of the shipment conveyance device, at step 2103, any one ormore of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or the centralprocessing computer administrator, can access the shipment conveyancecomputer 1720 via the respective carrier computer(s) 1730, sendercomputer(s) 1740, receiver computer(s) 1750, central processingcomputer(s) 1760.

At any time, the sender can also access the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 via the respective sender computer 1740 and transmit dataand/or information to the shipment conveyance device computer 1720. Thesender can transmit new data and/or information, and/or changes and/orupdates to previously entered data and/or information, to the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720. The data and/or information, or changesand/or updates thereto, which can be entered and/or transmitted by thesender computer 1740 to the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 canbe any of the data and/or information described herein as being enteredand/or provided by the sender and/or can be any data and/or informationwhich is described as being stored in the database 1720H. The respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, or administrator, can obtain any of theherein-described information which is stored in the shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720, any of the herein-described data and/orinformation which is entered into the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 at the time or point of shipment, position or locationinformation and/or global positioning information of the shipment,information regarding the state of the shipment which can include thetemperature of the shipment, shock damage to the shipment, time left tospoilage, damage to the shipment conveyance device 10, and/or any otherinformation which can be detected, obtained, and/or processed by, theshipment conveyance device computer 1720. For example, the respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, or administrator, can ascertain where ashipment is, the carrier containing the shipment, the location of theshipment, the contents of the shipment, the physical state or conditionof the shipment and/or any other information which can be provided bythe shipment conveyance device computer 1720 and/or the system of thepresent invention.

At step 2103, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can alsoprovide status updates to any one or more of the carrier, the sender,the receiver, and/or the administrator, which can contain any of theabove-described information which is described herein as being obtainedby any of the respective entities or individuals. For example, theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 which can be programmed toprovide shipment location updates, shipment status updates, etc., cangenerate status messages regarding its position or locations, stops madeby the carrier, and/or the temperature of the shipment, impacts receivedby the shipment conveyance device 1710, and/or other information. Thestatus messages can be generated and transmitted to the respectivecarrier computer 1730, the sender computer(s) 1740, the receivercomputer(s) 1750, and/or the central processing computer(s) 1760, atpre-designated time intervals, and/or upon the occurrence of apre-specified event (i.e. a stop made by the carrier, an impact duringan accident, an unusual stopping period, a shipment temperature change,and/or any other event or occurrence relating to the shipment).

At step 2104, the shipment is delivered to its destination where it canbe received by the receiver or by the receiver's agent. At step 2104,the carrier and/or the receiver can access the shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720 can obtain, retrieve, and/or download, any of thedata and/or information stored in the database 1720H of same. The dataand/or information can, for example, be information regarding thecontents and/or subject matter of the shipment, invoice information,packing slip information, sender information, carrier information,special instructions regarding the shipment and/or payment therefor, apayment receipt, and/or any other information which can be provided to acarrier or a receiver of a shipment.

The carrier or receiver can also obtain any of the herein-describedinformation which can be stored in and/or processed by the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720. In this regard, the carrier or thereceiver can retrieve or download any shipment information from theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 and/or from the shipmentconveyance device 1710 carrying the shipment.

At step 2104, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can alsogenerate a shipment delivery message and transmit same, in anyappropriate form or manner, to any one or more of the carriercomputer(s) 1730, the sender computer(s) 1740, the receiver computer(s)1750, and/or the central processing computer(s) 1760. At step 2105, anyof the information obtained, retrieved, and/or downloaded, at step 2104,can be output and/or printed, in hard copy form, and/or downloadedand/or stored in electronic form, by or at any of the respective carriercomputer 1730, and/or the receiver computer 1750. Thereafter, theoperation of the system will cease at step 2106.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 21, as well as in any and/or all ofthe other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generatedand transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer 20, and/or byany of the other computers 1730, 1740, 1750, and/or 1760, can be ane-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message,beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recordedtelephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronictransmission.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can also be utilized in order to provide notification to anyone or more of a sender, a carrier, a receiver, and/or an administrator,of any one or more of a lost shipment, an off-track shipment, a delayedshipment, a damaged shipment, and/or a mis-delivered shipment. FIG. 22illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing theapparatus and method of the present invention, in flow diagram form.With reference to FIG. 22, the operation of the apparatus 1700 commencesat step 2200. At step 2201, the sender can enter or program data and/orinformation into the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 via thesender computer 1730 and/or in any other appropriate manner. The dataand/or information can include delivery origin position or locationinformation, destination position or location information, shipmenttravel route information, including position or location informationcorresponding to points along the shipment travel route, carrieridentification information, carrier code and/or electronic signatureinformation, receiver identification information, receiver code and/orelectronic signature information, shipment temperature requirements,shipment impact tolerance information, and/or any other data and/orinformation regarding and/or relating to the shipment. The data and/orinformation entered and/or programmed into the shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720 can be processed and stored at step 2201.

At step 2202, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can, duringtransport of the shipment and/or upon the delivery of the shipment to areceiver or receiving entity, await the detection of a processing event.The processing event can be any one or more of the detection by theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 and, in particular, the globalpositioning device 1720J, of a deviation, by more than a pre-designatedtolerance amount (i.e. distance measurement, mileage, etc.), of thelocation or position of the shipment and/or the carrier of same from apre-determined transportation route (i.e. the shipment carrier is lost,is the wrong carrier, etc.), the detection of an unauthorized and/or thewrong carrier who or which is to transport the shipment (i.e. thedetection of an unauthorized carrier code or carrier electronicsignature), the detection of an unauthorized and/or the wrong receiverwho or which is to receive the shipment and/or the detection of a stolenshipment (i.e. the detection of an unauthorized receiver code orreceiver electronic signature, the detection of a shipment being stolenor in the possession of the wrong party, etc.), the detection of ashipment temperature which deviates from the shipment temperaturerequirements, and/or the detection of an impact or force of impactexperienced by the shipment conveyance device 1710 (i.e. a mishandling,a dropping, an accident, etc.) experienced by the shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720.

At step 2203, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 will generatean appropriate notification message in order to provide notification toany one or more of the carrier, the sender, the receiver, and/or theadministrator, of the detected processing event. The notificationmessage can be any one or more of an e-mail message, an instantmessaging service message, a short message, beeper message, pagermessage, a telephone message, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/orany other electronic message or electronic transmission.

At step 2204, the notification message is transmitted to any one or moreof the carrier computer 1730, the sender computer 1740, the receivercomputer 1750, and/or the central processing computer 1760. At step2205, the information contained in the notification message can bereceived by, and can be output and/or displayed to the respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, and/or administrator, on, the respectivecarrier computer 1730, the sender computer 1740, the receiver computer1750, and/or the central processing computer 1760. At step 2206, any ofthe information concerning the shipment and/or the processing event canbe stored at the respective carrier computer 1730, the sender computer1740, the receiver computer 1750, and/or the central processing computer1760. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1700 can cease at step2207.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 22, as well as in any and/or all ofthe other embodiments described herein, any of the messages generatedand transmitted by the shipment conveyance device computer 1720, and/orby any of the other computers 1730, 1740, 1750, and/or 1760, can be ane-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a short message,beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, a pre-recordedtelephone message, and/or any other electronic message or electronictransmission.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to verify that a shipment is beingdelivered to the proper receiver. FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate anotherpreferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of thepresent invention, in flow diagram form. With reference to FIGS. 23A and23B, the operation of the apparatus 1700 commences at step 2300. At step2301, the sender can enter or program data and/or information into theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 via the sender computer 1730and/or in any other appropriate manner. The data and/or information caninclude receiver identification information, receiver code and/orelectronic signature information, and/or any other of theherein-described data and/or information regarding the shipment. Forexample, the sender can enter a code or an electronic key or otherinformation which, when processed in conjunction with a code or anelectronic key entered by a receiver, upon delivery of the shipment tosame, can be utilized in order to verify that the shipment has beendelivered to the correct receiver. The data and/or information enteredand/or programmed into the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 canbe processed and stored at step 2301. At step 2302, the shipmentconveyance device 1710 can be shipped, transported, and/or delivered, tothe receiver.

At step 2303, the receiver can access the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 via a receiver computer 1750 and/or via the input device1720D of the shipment conveyance device computer 1720. At step 2303, thereceiver can input its code or electronic key into the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720. At step 2304, the shipment conveyancedevice computer 1720 can process the receiver entered code or electronickey and process same in conjunction with the data and/or informationentered into the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 by the senderat step 2301.

At step 2305, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 willdetermine whether the receiver is the correct receiver for receiving theshipment. If, at step 2305, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720determines that the receiver is not the correct receiver of theshipment, the operation of the shipment conveyance device computer 1720will proceed to step 2306 and the shipment conveyance device computer1720 will generate an appropriate signal or stimulus which can beprovided to the receiver or the carrier. The signal or stimulus can betext information provided on the display device 1720E, an audible soundoutput by the output device 1720I, a lighting of a light of the outputdevice 1720I, and/or the sounding of an alarm by the output device1720I, and/or any other stimulus indicating that the shipment is notbeing delivered to the correct receiver.

Thereafter, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 will, at step2307, cancel the delivery to the receiver or party thought to be thereceiver. At step 2308, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720will generate a mis-delivered notification message indicating that thereceiver is not the correct receiver. At step 2308, the shipmentconveyance device computer 1720 will also transmit the mis-deliverednotification message to any one or more of the sender, the carrier, thecorrect receiver, and/or the administrator, and/or to the respectivesender computer 1740, carrier computer 1730, receiver computer 1750,and/or the central processing computer 1760, indicating that theshipment was mis-delivered, at least for the time being. The carriercan, thereafter, re-attempt the shipment, transport, or delivery, of theshipment conveyance device to the correct receiver. Thereafter, theoperation of the apparatus 1700 will cease at step 2309.

If, however, at step 2305, it is determined that the receiver is thecorrect receiver, the operation of the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 will proceed to step 2310 and the shipment conveyancedevice computer 20 will generate an appropriate signal or stimulus whichcan be provided to the receiver or the carrier. The signal or stimuluscan be text information provided on the display device 1720E, an audiblesound output by the output device 1720I, a lighting of a light of theoutput device 1720I, and/or the sounding of an alarm by the outputdevice 1720I, and/or any other stimulus indicating that the shipment isbeing delivered to the correct receiver.

Thereafter, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can, at step2311, consummate/effect the delivery transaction. At step 2312, theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 will generate a deliverynotification message indicating that the receiver is the correctreceiver and/or that delivery of the shipment has been effected. At step2312, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 will also transmitthe delivery notification message to any one or more of the sender, thecarrier, the correct receiver, and/or the administrator, and/or to therespective sender computer 1740, carrier computer 1730, receivercomputer 1750, and/or the central processing computer 1760, indicatingthat the shipment was properly delivered. Thereafter, the operation ofthe apparatus 1700 will cease at step 2313.

In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 23A and 23B, as well as in anyand/or all of the other embodiments described herein, any of themessages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720, and/or by any of the other computers 1730, 1740, 1750,and/or 1760, can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging servicemessage, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephonemessage, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronicmessage or electronic transmission.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to generate and/or processinformation regarding an insurance claim involving a shipment which hasbeen lost, stolen, damaged, and/or mis-delivered, during shipment,transport, and/or delivery, by the carrier. FIG. 24 illustrates anotherpreferred embodiment method of utilizing the apparatus and method of thepresent invention, in flow diagram form. With reference to FIG. 24, theoperation of the apparatus 1700 commences at step 2400. At step 2401,the sender can enter or program data and/or information into theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 via the sender computer 1730and/or in any other appropriate manner. The data and/or information caninclude delivery origin position or location information, destinationposition or location information, shipment travel route information,including position or location information corresponding to points alongthe shipment travel route, carrier identification information, carriercode and/or electronic signature information, receiver identificationinformation, receiver code and/or electronic signature information,shipment temperature requirements, shipment impact toleranceinformation, shipment insurance information, shipment insurance claiminformation, shipment insurance claims generation and/or submissioninformation, and/or any other data and/or information regarding and/orrelating to the shipment. The data and/or information entered and/orprogrammed into the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can beprocessed and stored at step 2401.

At step 2402, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can, duringtransport of the shipment and/or upon the delivery of the shipment to areceiver or receiving entity, await the detection of a processing event.The processing event can be any one or more of the detection by theshipment conveyance device computer 1720 that the shipment has been lost(i.e. there is no record of the shipment being delivered and/or theshipment cannot be found and/or accounted for, etc.), that the shipmenthas been stolen (i.e. the carrier reports the shipment, and/or thecarrier vehicle with the shipment, as being stolen, the carrier has notdelivered the shipment to any receiver, and/or an unauthorizedindividual or entity has received the shipment and refuses to returnsame, etc.), the shipment has been damaged (i.e. perishable goods havespoiled, perished, and/or been ruined, fragile goods have been damaged,a damaging impact is detected, carrier reports involvement in accidentresulting in damage to the shipment and/or shipment contents, etc.)and/or that the shipment has been mis-delivered to an incorrectreceiver, receiving entity, individual or entity. The shipmentconveyance computer 1720 can detect the processing event itself via anyof its herein-described processing capabilities (i.e. detectingerroneous position or location of the shipment or carrier vehicle,detecting status of shipment as contrary to shipping and/orenvironmental requirements, detecting an impact or damaging forcesexerted on the shipment conveyance device 1710, detecting mis-delivery,and/or the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can receive dataand/or information from any one or more of the carrier computers 1730,the sender computers 1740, the receiver computers 1750, and/or thecentral processing computers 1760, which contains information regardingany of the processing events.

At step 2403, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 can processthe data and/or information corresponding to the processing event andgenerate an insurance claim message which contains information regardingthe processing event and information for filing an appropriate insuranceclaim. At step 2404, the shipment conveyance device computer 1720 willtransmit the insurance claim message to any one or more of the carrier,the sender, the receiver, and/or the administrator, in order to provideinformation regarding the detected processing event and/or theassociated insurance claim. The insurance claim information can be anyone or more of an e-mail message, an instant messaging service message,a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephone message, apre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronic message orelectronic transmission.

At step 2404, the insurance claim message can be transmitted to any oneor more of the carrier computer 1730, the sender computer 1740, thereceiver computer 1750, and/or the central processing computer 1760. Thecentral processing computer 1760 can also be utilized by and/or beassociated with an insurance provider and/or an insurance agent. At step2405, the information contained in the insurance claim message can bereceived by, and can be output and/or displayed to the respectivecarrier, sender, receiver, and/or administrator, on, the respectivecarrier computer 1730, the sender computer 1740, the receiver computer1750, and/or the central processing computer 1760. At step 2406, any ofthe information concerning the insurance claim can be processed and/orstored at the respective carrier computer 1730, the sender computer1740, the receiver computer 1750, and/or the central processing computer1760. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1700 can cease at step2407.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 24, any of the insurance claimmessages generated and transmitted by the shipment conveyance devicecomputer 1720 can be an e-mail message, an instant messaging servicemessage, a short message, beeper message, pager message, a telephonemessage, a pre-recorded telephone message, and/or any other electronicmessage or electronic transmission.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilizedin order to provide any of the herein-defined shipment conveyancedevices with the information processing functionality described herein.In this manner, the present invention can be utilized in order toprovide “smart” shipment conveyance devices, “smart” pallets, “smart”containers, etc., or “electronic” shipment conveyance devices,“electronic” pallets, “electronic” containers, etc., which can provideenhanced information services and/or functionality, and/or “smart” or“e-” technologies, in the shipping, transportation, and/or delivery,services fields and/or industries.

As described above in conjunction with use of the apparatus and methodof the present invention with vehicles and residential premises, thepresent invention may, if desired, perform a test in order to determinethe state or status of any particular system, equipment, device and/orappliance before exercising and/or performing a given control,monitoring and/or security function. Depending upon the outcome of thetest, the apparatus and method of the present invention may execute,alter, and/or defer, the performance and/or the execution of thecontrol, monitoring and/or security function. For example, a command toshut-off a central electrical system may be deferred until after theoperation of a security system, which security system may be deemed tohave priority in performing a monitoring and shut-down procedure for theentire commercial office and/or premises, has been successfullycompleted.

As noted above, the present invention, in any of the herein describedembodiments, as well as modifications, variations and/or alternateembodiments thereof, may be utilized in conjunction with a telephone,including analog and digital telephones, a touch-tone telephone, acordless telephone and/or a cellular or mobile telephone, a home and/ora personal computer having associated telecommunication devices or othersuitable peripheral device(s) such as a modem and/or a fax/modem, orother personal communication devices, which can operate over anappropriate telecommunications system, and/or other suitablecommunications systems, including radio signal, optical, satelliteand/or other communications systems.

The communications system(s) utilized in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein may operate anywhere in the electromagnetic and/or theradio spectrum. In this regard, personal communication service (PCS)systems and devices, including stationary, portable and/or hand-helddevices, may also be utilized. Digital signal communications devicesand/or systems, including digital satellite systems, may also beutilized. Interactive and/or digital televisions, personal communicationdevices, personal communications services (PCS) devices, telephones,including telephones which utilize analog or digital technology,personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, display telephones,video telephones, display cellular telephones and electronicallyequipped watches, beepers, pagers or paging systems, and/or otherdevices and/or personal effects and/or accessories may also be utilizedfor interactive use and/or for the display or output applications and/orfunctions. In this regard, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention may be utilized on, or over, the Internet and/or the WorldWide Web, or other suitable communication network or medium, in order tocontrol, monitor and/or provide security functions on, or for, any ofthe herein described vehicles, marine vessels or vehicles, aircraft,recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, and/or residentialpremises and/or commercial premises.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may find applicationsin areas other than those described and illustrated above. The presentinvention may find application in any type of control, monitoring and/orsecurity system or the like, wherein a long-range remote-controlledand/or interactive system may be utilized in order to provide animmediate, or a deferred, response to a control, monitoring and/orsecurity function, or response thereto, and/or to exercise and/orprovide control, monitoring or security over desired items and/ordevices from a remote location. The present invention may also beutilized to monitor and/or track the whereabouts or location of variousobjects and/or systems. In this regard, the apparatus and method of thepresent invention may be utilized so as to monitor the whereaboutsand/or location of individuals and to provide for a means by which tocommunicate with them.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may be utilized inconjunction with appropriate security devices for preventing access byunauthorized individuals. In this regard, the apparatus and method ofthe present invention may be utilized in conjunction with appropriatesecurity access devices, secured and/or encrypted communication signals,linkups and mediums. Security measures may include utilization andprocessing of access codes, encrypted codes, personal identificationcodes and/or data, software-based security measures and/or devices,hardware-based security measures and/or devices, and/or any combinationof software-based and hardware-based measures and/or devices. Thesecurity measures and/or methods utilized may also include the use ofsignal scramblers and associated de-scramblers, and/or any one or moreof the widely known devices and/or methods for providing a securedcommunication system and/or link.

The present invention provides for an apparatus and method forexercising and/or performing remote-controlled control, monitoringand/or security functions and/or operations for any type and variety ofvehicles, motor vehicles, marine vessels and vehicles, aircraft,recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, and/or residentialpremises and/or commercial premises.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may also beprogrammable for programmed and/or automatic activation,self-activation, programmed and/or automatic operation and/orself-operation. The apparatus and method of the present invention mayprovide for an immediate, as well as for a deferred, control, monitoringand/or security function, and/or response thereto, so as to provide forthe immediate and/or for the deferred control, activation,de-activation, programming, monitoring and/or security, etc., of any oneor more of the respective systems, equipment, devices, appliances, etc.,which may be utilized in any of the above described embodiments and/orin any modifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments thereof.

The present invention may also be equipped with, and be utilized with,hardware and software necessary for providing self-monitoring functions,automatic control and/or responses to occurrences, providing automaticnotice of an occurrence and/or a situation to an owner, user and/orauthorized individual. In this regard, any and all of the embodimentsdescribed above may comprise a monitoring device, a triggering deviceand/or any other suitable device for detecting an occurrence and/or asituation which may warrant providing notice to an owner, user and/orauthorized operator. In this regard, the apparatus may provide atransmission of any appropriate signal from a transmitter and, ifdesired, from a voice synthesizer to the owner, user and/or authorizedindividual, or to the location of the individual. The signal utilizedcould be in the form of a communication transmission, depending upon thecommunication medium utilized, a telephone call, a voice message, abeeper and/or pager message, an Electronic mail message, a faxtransmission, and/or any other mode of communication which may beutilized with any of the apparatuses, devices and/or componentsdescribed herein.

Any of the above-described embodiments may be utilized in conjunctionwith a central security office and/or agency for providing use inconjunction with such a central office and/or agency as describedhereinabove. In this manner, each and every embodiment of the presentinvention may be utilized with a central security office and/or agency.The present invention may also provide a means for occupants of thevehicle, motor vehicle, marine vessel, aircraft, recreational vehicle,residential premises and/or commercial premises to contact a centralsecurity office and/or agency and/or any other individual havingcorresponding communication equipment and/or who is authorized and/orequipped to receive such transmissions.

The present invention can be utilized to access, monitor, and/or recordor store, operation data and/or information for any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, and/or shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, at a location remote from the respective vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, and/orrecreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, as well as for any of theherein-described residential premises and/or commercial premises. Any ofthe respective operation data and/or information can be obtained at,and/or stored at, any of the transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, computers, and/or server computers, described herein.

The present invention can provide for the remote accessing, obtaining,or storage, of operation data for any one or more of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, and/or recreational vehicles, and/or shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses. In addition, the present invention can provide for theremote accessing, obtaining, or storage, of operation data for any oneor more of the herein-described residential premises and/or commercialpremises, by accessing, controlling, and/or monitoring, respectivepremises operation data recorder and/or monitoring devices.

The present invention enables an owner, user and/or authorizedindividual, to exercise and/or perform convenient control, monitoringand/or security functions, as and/or operations, over any of the abovedescribed or similar objects, vehicles, vessels and/or premises, from aremote location. For example, an individual may conveniently providecontrol over and monitor, the state and/or status of a vehicle parked ata location distant from his present location, and provide control overand monitor, a boat, an airplane, a vacation home which may be locatedin another locale, and/or to provide control over and monitor, abusiness office after hours or while absent therefrom.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the presentinvention can be utilized in conjunction with intelligent agents,software agents and/or mobile agents. In such embodiments, the agent canbe programmed to perform any and all of the control, monitoring, and/orsecurity functions described herein on behalf on any of the hereindescribed and/or respective owners, users, operators of the vehicles,premises, equipment, systems, devices, and/or components, describedherein. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subjectmatter of the Agent Sourcebook, A Complete Guide to Desktop, Internetand Intranet Agents, by Alper Caglayan and Colin Harrison, WileyComputer Publishing, 1997. Applicant also incorporates by referenceherein the subject matter of Cool Intelligent Agents For The Net, byLeslie L. Lesnick with Ralph E. Moore, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. 1997.

The present invention, in any of the embodiments described herein, maybe designed to be user-friendly. In this regard, the present inventionmay be menu-driven, and/or its operation may be menu-selected, fromaudio menus, visual menus, or both audio and visual menus.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andthe teachings of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,882,579, 4,882,746,5,003,317, 5,031,103, 5,081,667, 5,113,427, 5,138,649, 5,173,932,5,208,756, 5,223,844, 5,247,564, 5,276,728, 5,287,398, 5,334,974,5,389,935, 5,418,537, 5,432,841, 5,513,244, 5,515,043, 5,557,254,5,563,453, 5,682,133, 6,014,447, 6,009,363, 6,007,095, 6,006,159,5,973,619, 5,949,345, 5,898,392, 5,844,473, 5,835,871, 5,835,376,5,809,161, 5,729,452, 5,715,905, 5,660,246, and 5,550,738.

The present invention, in any and/or all of the embodiments describedherein, hereby incorporates the teachings of, and can utilize theteachings of, the above-identified U.S. Patents as well as improve uponthe teachings of the above-identified U.S. Patents.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of the fuelcells which are or can be utilized can be hydrogen fuel cells, zinc fuelcells, alkaline fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, proton exchangemembrane fuel cells, methanol fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells,natural gas fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuelcells, and/or any other fuel cell type, and/or any combination thereof.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the respectiveCPU 4, server computer 510, computer 970, or other central processingcomputer, and/or the server computer 952, and/or any other centralprocessing computers and/or devices, can maintain maintenance recordsand/or service records for any of the herein-described vehicles, motorvehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreationalvehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shipping containers,shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigerated containers,protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailer containers,air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes,envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipmentconveyance structures or apparatuses, and/or residential premises,and/or any of the commercial premises described herein, and/or for anyof the respective systems, subsystems, devices, and/or components ofsame.

The respective CPU 4 or computers can monitor maintenance and/orservicing activities, store information regarding maintenance and/orservicing performed thereon and/or thereto, and/or provide notification,via e-mail message, fax transmission, beeper and/or pager message,telephone message, and/or notification via any other appropriate means,for and/or regarding any of the herein-described vehicles and/orpremises and/or systems, subsystems, devices and/or components, of same.In this manner, maintenance and/or service records can be accessedand/or obtained via the apparatus and method of the present invention byaccessing the respective CPU 4 and/or any of the other computersdescribed herein. The CPU 4 and/or any of the other computers describedherein can also be programmed to provide notification to the respectiveindividuals, owners, users and/or occupants described herein regardingwhen maintenance and/or service may be needed and/or may be scheduled.

The present invention, in any and/or all of the embodiments describedherein, can be utilized to control, monitor and/or maintain and/orsecure any of the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats,marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/orshipment conveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers,pallets, containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers,railroad containers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers,marine vessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvasbags, luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or residential premises, and/or any of the commercialpremises described herein, and/or for any of the respective systems,subsystems, devices, and/or components of same. For example, the presentinvention can be utilized to monitor and/or control fuel cells via theInternet, the World Wide Web and/or via any other communication network.

The present invention can also be utilized to control and/or monitor anyof the herein-described and respective systems, equipment systems,subsystems, devices, and/or components of any of the herein-describedvehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplanes, aircraft,recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, and/or residentialpremises, and/or any of the commercial premises.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thesystems, subsystems, equipment systems, devices, and/or components, ofany of the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marinevessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/or shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or residential premises, and/or commercial premises,can be controlled, monitored, and/or secured, via the CPU 4 and/or viaany other computer, server computer, communication device, and/or anyother devices, described herein.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the movement,propulsion, direction of travel, and/or the operation, of any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyancedevices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets, containers,refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad containers,tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vesselshipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or any of their respective systems, equipment systems,subsystems, devices, components and/or appliances, can be controlled viaany of the herein-described transmitters, home and/or personalcomputers, and/or other suitable communication devices or computers, viaany of the herein-described server computers, computers, centralprocessing computers and/or similarly utilized computers and/or computersystems.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 4 canbe the dedicated control device for, and/or can be an integrated controldevice and/or component of, any of the respective systems, subsystems,equipment systems, devices, and/or components, of any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyancedevices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets, containers,refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad containers,tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vesselshipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or residential premises, and/or commercial premises. Inthis manner, for example, the CPU 4 and/or the respective apparatus canbe utilized to provide for the direct control, monitoring, and/orsecurity, of and/or for any one of the specific systems, subsystems,equipment systems, devices and/or components, of any of theherein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels,airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyancedevices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets, containers,refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroad containers,tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marine vesselshipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or residential premises, and/or commercial premises.

In the same manner, any specific system, equipment system, subsystem,device and/or component, can be directly controlled, monitored, and/orsecured, directly by, from, and/or via, the dedicated CPU 4 and/or by,from, and/or via, the CPU 4 which can be an internal and/or anintegrated control device and/or component of the respective system,equipment system, subsystem, device and/or component.

In any of the embodiments described herein which provide centralizedprocessing functionality such as those embodiments of FIG. 5B, FIG. 11A,and FIG. 11B, any of the respective server computers 510, computers 970,server computers 952 and computers 970 can be any computers and/orcomputer systems, central processing computers, sever computers, networkcomputers, and/or any other computers and/or communication devices,depending upon the specific application and/or the communicationnetworks which are utilized in conjunction therewith. Any of therespective server computers 510, computers 970, server computers 952 andcomputers 970, can also be implemented by any number any/or type ofcomputers and/or computer systems.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of therespective transmitters 2, central processing units CPU 4, home and/orpersonal computers 150, server computers 510, computers 970, servercomputers 952, can transmit signals, data and/or information, to, aswell as receive signals, data and/or information, from, any one or moreof the respective transmitters 2, central processing units CPU 4, homeand/or personal computers 150, server computers 510, computers 970,server computers 952. Any of the respective transmitters 2, centralprocessing units CPU 4, home and/or personal computers 150, servercomputers 510, computers 970, server computers 952, can communicate witheach other in a bidirectional manner and/or fashion.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the CPU 4 cangenerate and transmit an appropriate message and/or signal, which cancontain any appropriate data and/or information, and transmit saidsignal to a respective transmitter 2, home and/or personal computer 150,server computer 510, computer 970, and/or server computer 952, dependingupon the embodiment utilized. In turn, any of the server computers 510,computers 970, and/or server computers 952, can process and/or transmiteither the signal and/or a signal generated in response to the signaltransmitted from the CPU 4 to the transmitter 2, the home and/orpersonal computer, and/or any other communication device associated withthe respective individual, owner, user, and/or occupant, to be providedwith such notification.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of the servercomputers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/or any ofthe home and/or personal computers or communication devices 150described herein and/or utilized in conjunction with the apparatus andmethod of the present invention can comprise and/or can be implementedwith any number of computers or computer systems. In this regard, any ofthe server computers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952,and/or any of the home and/or personal computers or communicationdevices 150 can be a single computer or computer system or can becomprised of, or can include, a plurality (i.e. two or more) computersor computer systems. In this manner, any of the server computers 510,computers 970, and/or server computers 952, and/or any of the homeand/or personal computers or communication devices 150 can be comprisedof, and/or can be implemented, by utilizing any number of computersand/or computer systems.

The server computer 510, computer 970, and/or server computer 952,and/or any of the home and/or personal computer or communication devices150 can also be comprised of, or can include, any number of computersand/or computer systems and can also include any number of transmitters,receivers, and/or other hardware devices and/or peripheral devices.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of thereceivers or transmitters associated with and/or utilized in conjunctionwith any of the server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952, and/or any of the home and/or personal computers orcommunication devices 150, described herein, can be or can include anynumber of receivers or transmitters, respectively.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, any of therespective transmitters 2, central processing units CPU 4, home and/orpersonal computers 150, server computers 510, computers 970, servercomputers 952, can automatically detect or determine is any of theherein-described vehicles is off course, is deviating from a travelroute or has deviated from a travel route, is deviating from a flightplan or has deviated from a flight plan, or is deviating from anavigation route or plan or has deviated from a navigation route orplan.

In this manner, any event occurring at and/or involving, any conditionof, any occurrence of, and/or other operating conditions and/or statesregarding, any of the respective systems, equipment systems, subsystems,devices, components, and/or appliances, of any of the respectivevehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marine vessels, airplane, aircraft,recreational vehicles, and/or shipment conveyance devices, shippingcontainers, shipment containers, pallets, containers, refrigeratedcontainers, protective containers, railroad containers, tractor trailercontainers, air freight containers, marine vessel shipment containers,totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags, luggage, baggage, and/or anyshipment conveyance structures or apparatuses, and/or residentialpremises, and/or commercial premises, described herein. For example, amalfunctioning of a respective system(s), equipment system(s),subsystem(s), device(s), component(s), equipment, and/or appliance(s),of any of the herein-described vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, marinevessels, airplanes, aircraft, recreational vehicles, and/or shipmentconveyance devices, shipping containers, shipment containers, pallets,containers, refrigerated containers, protective containers, railroadcontainers, tractor trailer containers, air freight containers, marinevessel shipment containers, totes, boxes, envelopes, bags, canvas bags,luggage, baggage, and/or any shipment conveyance structures orapparatuses, and/or residential premises, and/or commercial premises,can be reported to a respective server computer, central processingcomputer, and/or central monitoring service, and/or can be reported toany of the respective individuals, users, owners, and/or occupants.

Similarly, any activation, de-activation, enabling, disabling, and/orany change and/or occurrence in, and/or involving the status and/or theoperational state, of any of the respective system(s), equipmentsystem(s), subsystem(s), device(s), component(s), equipment, and/orappliance(s), described herein, can be reported to a respective servercomputer, central processing computer, and/or central monitoringservice, and/or can be reported to any of the respective individuals,users, owners, and/or occupants.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus canbe utilized in order to provide any one or more of, video information,audio information, and/or video conferencing information, on or via anynumber of communication channels. The apparatus and method of thepresent invention can be utilized to provide any one or more of videoinformation, audio information, and/or video conferencing information,on or via any number of communication channels in a communicationnetwork.

The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized to provide videoinformation, obtained with a video recording device or camera located ata vehicle and/or at, or in the vicinity of, a premises with any of thehome and/or personal computers or communication devices 150 describedherein, via any of the herein-described server computers 510, computers970, and/or server computers 952. The apparatus of the present inventioncan be utilized to provide audio information, obtained with an audiorecording device or microphone located at a vehicle and/or at, or in thevicinity of, a premises with any of the home and/or personal computersor communication devices 150 described herein, via any of theherein-described server computers 510, computers 970, and/or servercomputers 952. The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized toprovide video conferencing information, obtained with video conferencingequipment located at a vehicle and/or at, or in the vicinity of, apremises with any of the home and/or personal computers or communicationdevices 150 described herein, via any of the herein-described servercomputers 510, computers 970, and/or server computers 952.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized toprovide video information from any one of any number of video recordingdevices. The apparatus and method of the present invention can also beutilized to provide audio information from any one of any number ofaudio recording devices. The apparatus and method of the presentinvention can also be utilized to provide video conferencing from anyone of any number of video conferencing devices.

For example, a user can select a particular video camera, from anynumber of video cameras utilized in conjunction with the apparatus andmethod of the present invention, from which to obtain video. In asimilar manner, a user can select a particular audio microphone, fromany number of audio microphones utilized in conjunction with theapparatus and method of the present invention, from which to obtainaudio. A user can also select a particular video conferencing device,from any number of video conferencing devices utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus and method of the present invention, from which toengage in a video conference(s).

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to provide video information and/orvideo images from two or more video recording devices or cameras to auser computer or user communication device 150 simultaneously in asplit-screen format or multiple screen format.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred embodiments, such descriptions are merely illustrativeof the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitationsthereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses any and allmodifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments with the scope ofthe present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first controller,wherein the first controller monitors, and detects an event regarding, asystem, equipment system, component, device, or equipment, of a vehicle,wherein the vehicle is a shipping container, a pallet, a tote, or apiece of luggage, wherein the first controller is located at thevehicle, wherein the first controller generates a first signal andtransmits the first signal to a second controller, wherein the firstsignal contains information regarding the event, and further wherein thesecond controller is located at a location which is remote from thevehicle, wherein the second controller automatically receives the firstsignal, and further wherein the second controller generates a secondsignal and transmits the second signal via, on, or over, the Internet orthe World Wide Web to a communication device, wherein the second signalcontains information regarding the event, and further wherein thecommunication device is located remote from the second controller,wherein the apparatus activates, de-activates, disables, re-enables, orcontrols an operation of, the system, equipment system, component,device, or equipment, of the vehicle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the vehicle is a shipping container.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, wherein the shipping container is a refrigerated container, aprotective container, a railroad container, a tractor trailer container,a air freight container, or a marine vessel shipment container.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a pallet.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a tote.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the vehicle is a piece of luggage.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a video recording device or a camera, wherein thevideo recording device or the camera obtains video information or aphotograph at the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle, wherein thevideo information or the photograph is transmitted to the communicationdevice.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the event is a detection ofa lost shipment, an off-track shipment, a delayed shipment, a theft ofthe vehicle, an unauthorized use of the vehicle, an unauthorized accessof the vehicle, a detection of an impact experienced by the vehicle, aforce experienced by the vehicle, a mishandling of the vehicle, adropping of the vehicle, an accident involving the vehicle, or adetection of a shipment temperature or a transportation temperaturewhich deviates from a shipment temperature requirement or atransportation temperature requirement.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the communication device is a cellular telephone, a wirelesstelephone, a personal digital assistant, an interactive television, or adigital television.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: aglobal positioning device, wherein the global positioning devicedetermines a position or location of the vehicle, and further whereininformation regarding the position or location of the vehicle istransmitted to the communication device.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: an audio recording device, a microphone, or a taperecorder, wherein the audio recording device, the microphone, or thetape recorder, obtains audio information at the vehicle or in thevicinity of the vehicle, and further wherein the audio information istransmitted to the communication device.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: afirst controller, wherein the first controller is a central processingunit, a microprocessor, or a first computer, wherein the firstcontroller monitors, and detects an event regarding, a first vehicle,wherein the first vehicle is a shipping container, a pallet, a tote, ora piece of luggage, and wherein the first controller is located at thefirst vehicle, wherein the first controller generates a first signal andtransmits the first signal to a second controller, wherein the secondcontroller is a server computer or a second computer, wherein the firstsignal contains information regarding the event, and further wherein thesecond controller is located at a location which is remote from thefirst vehicle and is remote from a second vehicle in or on which thefirst vehicle is located or is remote from a premises in or on which thefirst vehicle is located, wherein the second controller automaticallyreceives the first signal, and further wherein the second controllergenerates a second signal and transmits the second signal to acommunication device, wherein the second signal contains informationregarding the event, and further wherein the communication device islocated remote from the second controller, and further wherein thecommunication device is located remote from the second vehicle or islocated remote from the premises.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: acontainer, wherein the container is a shipping container, a pallet, atote, or a piece of luggage; a global positioning device, wherein theglobal positioning device determines a position or a location of thecontainer; a first controller, wherein the first controller devicemonitors, and detects an event regarding, the container, wherein thefirst controller is located at the container, wherein the firstcontroller generates a first signal and transmits the first signal to asecond controller, wherein the first signal contains informationregarding the event, and further wherein the second controller islocated at a location which is remote from the container, wherein thesecond controller automatically receives the first signal, and furtherwherein the second controller generates a second signal and transmitsthe second signal via, on, or over, the Internet or the World Wide Webto a communication device, wherein the second signal containsinformation regarding the event and information regarding the positionor the location of the container, and further wherein the communicationdevice is located remote from the second controller, wherein theapparatus, the second controller, or the communication device is capableof activating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, or controlling anoperation, of a system, an equipment system, a component, or a device,of the container.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the secondcontroller is located remote from a vehicle or a premises in, or on,which the container is located.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe first controller or the second controller detects or determines thatthe container is off course, that the container is deviating from atravel route or has deviated from a travel route, that the container isdeviating from a flight plan or has deviated from a flight plan, or thatthe container is deviating from a navigation route or plan or hasdeviated from a navigation route or plan.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13,further comprising: a video recording device or a camera, wherein thevideo recording device or the camera obtains video information or aphotograph at the container or in the vicinity of the container, whereinthe video information or a photograph is transmitted to the secondcontroller or to the communication device.
 17. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the event is a detection of a lost shipment, an off-trackshipment, a delayed shipment, a theft of the container, an unauthorizeduse of the container, an unauthorized access of the container, an impactexperienced by the container, a force experienced by the container, amishandling of the container, a dropping of the container, an accidentinvolving the container, or a detection of a shipment temperature or atransportation temperature which deviates from a shipment temperaturerequirement or a transportation temperature requirement.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 13, further comprising: an audio recording device, amicrophone, or a tape recorder, wherein the audio recording device, themicrophone, or the tape recorder, obtains audio information at thecontainer or in the vicinity of the container, and further wherein theaudio information is transmitted to second controller or to thecommunication device.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the secondcontroller or the communication device transmits a control signal foractivating, de-activating, disabling, re-enabling, or controlling anoperation, of the system, the equipment system, the component, or thedevice, of the container.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thecontainer is a refrigerated container, a protective container, arailroad container, a tractor trailer container, a air freightcontainer, or a marine vessel shipment container.